[Primary malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the stomach. Case series contribution]

Fourteen cases of primary gastric non-Hodgkin malignant lymphoma have been classified according to the "Working Formulation for Clinical Usage" and according to the Kiel classification. They have been staged according to the Ann Arbor staging system modified by Musshoff and according to the Manchester staging system modified by Rao. They have been also arranged in the Friedman's macroscopic types. Clinical features, radiologic and endoscopic findings, performed surgical operations, histologic reports and prognostic factors are reported and discussed. The patients, after surgery, have been treated with radiotherapy and/or polychemotherapy, according to the suggested therapeutic pattern. The follow-up has evidenced a better prognosis than gastric carcinoma. The importance of the preoperative diagnosis is emphasized. This is often difficult to obtain, but it permits a better surgical treatment and especially the right intraoperative staging.