[50 cases of early gastric cancer]

Among 530 surgical specimens of histologically proved cancer or ulcer of the stomach during the last 5 years, 50 were classified as early gastric cancer. The increasing number of cases described in the recent years may be attributed to the more aggressive diagnostic approaches. 26 cases were confined to the mucosa and the remaining 24 invaded the submucosa. Lymph node metastasis was present in 4 patients. Surgical approach, with antrectomy, subtotal or total gastrectomy with radical lymphectomy, is pratically necessary.