[Errors in endoscopic diagnosis of early stomach cancer]

Authors deal with gastroscopic findings in 60 patients with early gastric cancers. With respect of macroscopic findings exclusively, one third early gastric cancers was thought by the endoscopist to be a benign lesion. The differentiation between benign and malignant ulcer was especially difficult. Authors therefore underline the well-known demand to control each ulcer endoscopically and histologically until complete healing. In so-called discrete lesions (scars, erosions, thick folds) biopsies are performed. Indication for further control depends on the safety of endoscopic and bioptic findings.