Is gastroscopy still a valid diagnostic tool in detecting gastric MALT lymphomas?
GROUND: Primary gastric lymphomas are distinct entities with an indolent clinical course and biologic behavior. They account for 2-8% of all gastric malignancies. We conducted this study to evaluate the role of gastroscopy as the principal diagnostic method in detecting gastric MALT lymphomas. METHODS: Sixty-three consecutive patients with gastric MALT lymphomas, who were evaluated and treated at our institution between January 1978 and December 1997, are retrospectively reviewed. There were 36 males and 27 females, with a mean age of 53 years (range 20-80 years). All patients underwent the standard diagnostic evaluation, including gastroscopy and biopsy. Patients were staged according to revised Musshof modification of the Ann Arbor classification system, whereas histological evaluation was made according to the Isaacson classification system for gastric MALT lymphomas. RESULTS: According to endoscopic findings, the antrum harbored the neoplasm in 31 patients (49%), the body in 38% (2
