Pathologic Diagnosis of Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia

ABSTRACT

Gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) is one of the precursors of gastric adenocarcinoma and is clinically important regarding issue for recommendation of further endoscopic evaluation. Herein we review the histologic characteristics, molecular features and pathological diagnosis of IM. Histologically, IM has been classified as 3 types type I complete IM, type 2 incomplete IM and type 3 incomplete IM. This classification is important to clinicians as well as pathologists. We emphasize that careful follow up should be recommended in patient with extensive IM or incomplete IM.