[Prognosis of cardia cancer]

224 of 853 gastric carcinomata in the years 1974-1984 were located in the cardia. Here early stages of carcinoma were less frequent in comparison to the other gastric carcinomas. 46.4% were resectable. Proximal resection was performed in 88 patients, total gastrectomy in 16. Recurrent carcinoma was seen in 27.3%. The 5-year-survival time in all treated patients was 15%, in all resected cases 26%, in all fully resected cases 35%. Stage I showed a five-year-survival time of 42%, stage II of 22%, in stage III and IV no survivors. A generally applicable suggestion as to the radicality of operation can at present not be given. Too many prognostic factors in carcinoma of the cardia cannot be properly assessed.