Is a lesion in the gastric body type IIb an early gastric cancer?
Jul 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, a type IIb lesion in the gastric body is not necessarily indicative of early gastric cancer. Type IIb is a description of the gross morphological appearance under gastroscopy and belongs to the superficial flat type in the Japanese classification of gastric cancer. It refers to lesions with minimal elevation or depression, where the lesion's height is almost the same as that of the surrounding mucosa. This morphological appearance can be seen in early gastric cancer, as well as in benign lesions such as inflammation, intestinal metaplasia, and atypical hyperplasia.
Generally, a type IIb lesion in the gastric body is not necessarily indicative of early gastric cancer and must be evaluated in conjunction with pathological findings. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Type IIb describes a morphological appearance observed during endoscopy, corresponding to the superficial flat type in the Japanese classification of gastric cancer. It refers to lesions with minimal elevation or depression, nearly level with the surrounding mucosa. This morphology can be seen in both early gastric cancer and benign conditions such as inflammation, intestinal metaplasia, or atypical hyperplasia. Diagnosis of early gastric cancer requires pathological confirmation that cancer cells are confined to the mucosa or submucosa, regardless of lymph node metastasis. Type IIb merely describes morphological features without providing specific information regarding infiltration depth or pathological nature.
Therefore, upon identifying a type IIb lesion in the gastric body, further tissue biopsy is necessary to determine the presence of cancer cells and their infiltration depth via pathological examination. If pathology confirms cancer confined to the mucosa or submucosa, it is classified as early gastric cancer; if the lesion is benign, regular follow-up or symptomatic treatment is recommended.
Patients should maintain a positive attitude and cooperate with their physicians' treatment plans to enhance therapeutic outcomes and prognosis.
