[Cancer of the stomach: an epidemiologic, diagnostic and therapeutic study]

The authors report 203 cases of gastric cancer collected between 1974 and 1987 without prior selection. Analysis of these records provided the following information: From an epidemiological viewpoint, there was no predominance of blood group A; a certain number of gastric lesions preceded or coexisted with the cancer. From a clinical viewpoint epigastric pain and general physical deterioration were the most frequent presenting signs. Physical examination was normal in 32.5% of patients, while 34.4% presented a palpable epigastric mass. Diagnosis was confirmed by a combination of radiology (transit studies of oesophagus, stomach and duodenum) and endoscopy with multiple biopsies. These procedures were carried out in 88% and 72% of patients respectively. 87% of patients were operable and resection was possible in 50%. Subtotal gastrectomy was performed in 61% of cases where resection was possible. The overall operative mortality was 8.5% and 20% for extended total gastrectomy. Actuarial survival was only correctly evaluated in 42% of operated patients. It was estimated to be 5%.