High grade dysplasia of the stomach

High grade dysplasia (HGD) means that there are severely abnormal cells in the inner lining of the stomach. This is sometimes called stage 0.

High grade dysplasia is found in the top layer of cells in the stomach lining. It can be difficult to diagnose. HGD can change to invasive cancer if you don’t have any treatment.

Treatment

Your surgeon may be able to remove the abnormal cells from the lining of the stomach. You have this surgery through a flexible tube called an endoscope. You’re asleep when you have it.

The doctor puts the tube down your throat. They then use a small knife or thin wire (snare) through the tube to remove the abnormal cells. 

You may need surgery to remove part or all of your stomach if it’s not possible to remove the abnormal cells in this way.

About other stages

  • AJCC Cancer Staging Manual (8th Edition)
    M Amin and S Edge.
    Springer, 2017

  • Gastric cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up 
    F Lordick and others 
    Annals of Oncology, 2022

  • Gastric cancer
    E Van Custem and others
    The Lancet, 2016. Volume 388.  Pages 2654-2664

  • British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the diagnosis and management of patients at risk of gastric adenocarcinoma 
    M Banks and others                                                                                                     
    Gut, 2019.  Volume 68. Pages 1545-1575

Last reviewed: 
23 Nov 2022
Next review due: 
24 Nov 2025

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