The detection of premalignant histology in patients with dyspepsia

The pattern of conditions detected in 129 patients attending an open access endoscopy clinic with dyspepsia has been evaluated. In 46 patients less than 45 years, benign conditions only were detected. In 83 patients over 45 years, three (one in 30) had gastric cancer and seven (8%) had premalignant histological changes. The significance of these findings to a modified gastric cancer screening programme is discussed.