Histopathological Spectrum of Gastric Lesions in Endoscopic Biopsies at a Tertiary Care Centre

Background: Gastric biopsy specimens demonstrate a wide spectrum of inflammatory, reactive, premalignant and malignant lesions. Histopathological examination is essential for establishing the definitive diagnosis and identifying clinically significant mucosal abnormalities. The aim is to determine the histopathological spectrum of gastric lesions at a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: An observational study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Sola, Ahemdabad, Gujarat, India for the duration of 3 years. A total of 90 gastric biopsy specimens received during the study period were included. Specimens were routinely fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, processed and embedded in paraffin wax. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, with additional special stains performed whenever required. The biopsies were evaluated microscopically for inflammatory, reactive, premalignant and neoplastic changes, including H. pylori-associated gastritis, chronic gastritis, dysplasia and gastric carcinoma. The findings were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among 90 gastric biopsy specimens, chronic active gastritis (H. pylori negative) and chronic non-specific gastritis were the most common findings, each accounting for 25 cases (27.77%), followed by H. pylori-associated chronic active gastritis in 24 cases (26.66%). Unremarkable histopathology was observed in 11 cases (12.22%). Dysplasia, follicular gastritis and chronic caseating granulomatous inflammation were each identified in one case (1.11%). Malignancy was detected in two cases (2.22%), comprising signet-ring cell carcinoma and intestinal-type gastric carcinoma. Conclusion: Inflammatory lesions predominated among gastric biopsy specimens, while premalignant and malignant lesions were relatively uncommon. Histopathological examination remains essential for accurate diagnosis, identification of H. pylori-associated pathology and early detection of clinically significant gastric lesions.

Keywords: Gastric biopsy, histopathology, chronic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori, dysplasia, gastric carcinoma.