Gastric lymphoma in Grampian Region: presentation, treatment and outcome

Forty cases of gastric lymphoma presenting in Grampian Region (1974-91) were reviewed to examine the effects of changing ideas in the fields of chemotherapy, gastric surgery and diagnostic techniques, as well as the impact of Helicobacter pylori. Presentation was non-specific, and the diagnosis was made pre-operatively in only 12 cases. Survival was related to tumour size, staging (Ann Arbor), and grade, with a crude 5-year survival of 49%. Helicobacter pylori was found in all specimens reviewed. Patients who underwent "potentially curative' surgery followed by adjuvant therapy had the best survival (85% at 5 years). There remains a need for larger studies to define the best treatment for this uncommon condition.