Intestinal metaplasia

I had an endoscopy and the result was: gastric antral type mucosa, reactive gastropathy, intestinal metaplasia. No H. Pylori. I know intestinal metaplasia puts me at very high risk of gastric cancer. I had x-rays in the past and I was treated for duodenal ulcer. This was my first endoscopy.
- Can I have surgery to remove it? Is there any treatment to reverse this IM?
- Which is the best GI doctor specialized in IM in NYC or Long Island?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The treatment would depend on the severity or extent of the metaplasia.

Sometimes aggressive antireflux therapy can help.  If there is H Pylori present, this needs to be appropriately treated with antibiotics.

At the very least, close surveillance needs to be done with repeat endoscopies.

Surgery can be considered after evaluation by your GI physician.

I am not based in NY, and thus, do not have specific GI physician recommendations.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[susiebelle]

Hello, i'm from Australia and my mother in law had ulcer as well and she tried everything to get rid of it until a WA (state in australia) doctor discovered a type of antibiotic that finaly removed these ulcers, it is a 1 week treatment and will make your teeth go grey to blackish but only while on the medication and not very pleasant to take, but it cured her of this hideous ulcer after many years of putting up with the discomfort. Ask you local doctor if he has heard of this treatment, i think it is in liquid form, hence your teeth disclouring. The reason the medication works is apparently the ulcer is in fact a worm that eats at the stomach and forms what doctors diagnose as a ulcer. Hope this info is helpfell and good luck with your treament.
Regards from Sue