Intestinal metaplasia is a pathological finding that may cause malignant lesions, but the length of time it takes is related to the individual’s constitution, dietary habits, and whether it is treated promptly.
Intestinal metaplasia is the replacement of gastric mucosal epithelial cells by intestinal epithelial cells and is most often seen in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis and is caused by long-term chronic inflammatory irritation.
Further progression of moderate intestinal metaplasia may lead to severe intestinal metaplasia, which is a precancerous lesion. The progression of the disease is influenced by many factors and varies from person to person. If the patient is in good health, pays attention to diet, actively cooperates with doctors and maintains a good attitude, the disease will generally progress slowly and may not develop into cancer for life. On the contrary, the disease deteriorates more quickly and there is no specific time limit.