[Diagnosis of gastric tumors]

Gastric adenocarcinomas are currently diagnosed at an advanced stage, related to non specific and late symptoms. Gastroscopy is the first examination to perform in case of recurrent epigastric pain, nausea, loss of weight, anorexia. Endoscopic diagnosis is usually easy in case of polypoid and ulcerative mass, sometimes more difficult in case of linitis plastica or tiny mucosa lesion. Biopsies are mandatory and allow to type cancer in intestinal and diffuse forms. Imaging techniques by X-ray series, sonography, scanner or echo endoscopy are useful to select patients for surgical procedure.