Gastric neoplasm in the West of Ireland: an endoscopic survey

The results of endoscopic examination, biopsy taken at endoscopy and cytology of brush smears and/or gastric lavage specimens in 100 patients with proven malignant gastric lesions are described. Overall, a correct pre-operative diagnosis was achieved in 98 cases. Endoscopic appearance was a more accurate criterion in cases of exophytic advanced carcinoma, malignant ulcer and lymphoma than in diffuse infiltrative carcinoma or in early carcinoma, where biopsy and cytology were more accurate. Nine per cent of neoplasms were malignant lymphomas, which is much higher than the usual reported incidence. Early carcinoma was found in 5% of cases. In spite of readily available facilities for endoscopic diagnosis, most cases of gastric neoplasm were already advanced at the time of examination.