Intestinal Metaplasia of the Stomach-A Review

Carcinoma of the stomach is still the second most common cause of cacner deaths worldwide, although the incidence and mortality have fallen dramtically over the last 50 years in many regions. The intestinal type of gastric cancer devlops through a cascade of well-defined and recognizable precursors (inflammation-metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma). The discovery of intestinal metaplasia in gastric biopsy specimens is not uncommmon, yet guidance on what to do with the results is sparse. This presentation will review the literature regarding gastric intestinal metaplasia, including new 2012 European Guidelines, and discuss controversies of endoscopic surveillance. This case was presented at the 2012 American Association for Primary Care Endoscopy annual CME Conference in San Francisco, CA by Dr. Kent Humble.