[Primary stomach lymphoma of the MALT type. Diagnosis and therapy. Gastrointestinal Lymphoma Study Group]

Primary gastric lymphoma are nowadays considered as a distinct lymphoma entity. Their classification is based on the concept of MALT (Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue). Within the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach is most frequently involved. In the pathogenesis of gastric lymphoma, Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis plays an important, conditioning role. Usually, the diagnosis of gastric lymphoma can be established on the basis of endoscopic biopsies. Endoscopic ultrasound seems highly useful for differentiating the depth of lymphoma infiltration and for evaluating the perigastric lymph nodes. Options in the therapy of gastric lymphoma are based on their histological grade and stage of the disease. They include surgical resection and/or radiotherapy for local tumor control as well as chemotherapy in the case of disseminated disease or high malignancy. Currently, special interest focuses on the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication.