[Clinicopathology of Epstein-Barr virus-related gastric carcinoma]

Since Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) was detected in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with intense lymphocytic infiltration of stomach, the relationship between EBV infection and gastric carcinoma has been attracted. EBV-related gastric carcinoma is demonstrated by EBV-encoded small RNA in situ hybridization, monoclonality of EBV DNA and elevated antibodies. EBV-related gastric carcinoma is characterized by male predominance, preferential location in the upper and middle part of the stomach, and high prevalence in gastric remnant cancer. Although EBV-positive cases are observed for all histological types and early carcinoma through advanced carcinoma, there is relatively high levels for moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma and solid-type, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. EBV-positive early gastric carcinoma shows unique morphology recognized as "lace pattern," and infiltration of CD8-positive cytotoxic T lymphocytes.