[Prognostic aspects of early gastric carcinoma (author's transl)]

The results of treatment of early gastric carcinoma were analysed in 65 patients. In 33 patients the operation was performed 5 years ago. The 5-year-survival rate was 70%. Prognosis was predominantly influenced by the histology of the tumour. Signet ring cell and anaplastic early carcinomas (diffuse type) had a worse prognosis than intestinal (differentiated) forms. Carcinomas localised wholly in the mucosa had no better prognosis than those penetrating into the submucosa. There is no choice of surgical method according to prognostic criteria as the diagnosis "early gastric carcinoma" can be made only postoperatively from the resection material. Bioptic proof of carcinomatous gastric mucosal changes requires full observation of the rules of cancer surgery.