Recent changes in the morphology of gastric cancer in Japan

The macroscopical and histological features of 4,428 cases of gastric cancer resected stomachs was noted.d surgically between 1953 and 1974 were studied. Of these cases, 81.9% were in an advanced stage and 18.1% in an early stage. The following changes were observed. (1) In the group of advanced cancers, a gradual decrease in the frequency of Borrmann II type was noted. Most of these tumors were well-differentiated adenocarcinomas. (2) In the group of early cancers, a gradual increase in the proportion of "cancerous erosion" was detected. The majority of these tumors were poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas or infiltrating signet-ring cell cancers. (3) At intervals of 10 years, 5-10% decrease in the frequency of intestinal metaplasia in resected stomachs was noted.