[Superficial cancer of the stomach]

The authors report 17 cases of superficial carcinomas collected amongst a series of 100 gastric carcinomas. Three principal points are analysed: clinical picture, diagnostic and treatment. Clinical problems indicate the multiplicity of classifications used and their sometimes incomplete nature. This led the authors in 1970 to develop a classification with 4 parameters, derived from the T N M classification and from that of Gutmann. The diagnostic problems raises yet again for these superficial carcinomas the need for routine screening which is the only way to increase early diagnoses, and hence the effectiveness of treatment. The therapeutic problem is concerned with the discussion of the limitations of wide excision as a matter of principle.