[Early stomach cancer. Do not miss it!]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• The term "early gastric carcinoma" may be less precise than "superficial carcinoma" for describing certain gastric malignancies.
• A significant proportion of gastric carcinoma cases present as superficial lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of superficial gastric carcinoma.
• To emphasize the importance of early detection and appropriate diagnostic methods for superficial gastric carcinoma.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 194 patients operated on for gastric carcinoma.
• Detailed review of diagnostic procedures including barium meal, endoscopy, and biopsies.
• Surgical approach and histopathological findings were documented.

Main Results:

• 37 out of 194 patients (19%) had superficial carcinoma.
• 17 patients had a history of duodenal or gastric ulcer.
• Endoscopic and barium meal examinations were normal in a subset of patients, with carcinoma identified only through biopsies.
• The five-year actuarial survival rate for superficial carcinoma was 77%.

Conclusions:

• Superficial carcinoma is a critical subtype of gastric cancer that requires vigilant diagnosis.
• Biopsies are essential, particularly when endoscopic findings are normal or in patients with a history of peptic ulcers.
• Subtotal gastrectomy can yield excellent survival outcomes for superficial gastric carcinoma.