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 a s the impact of Helicobacter pylori. Presentation was non-specific, an d the diagnosis was made pre-operatively in only 12 cases. Survival wa s related to tumour size, staging (Ann Arbor), and grade, with a crude 5-year survival of 49%. Helicobacter pylori was found in all specimen s reviewed. Patients who underwent 'potentially curative' surgery foll owed by adjuvant therapy had the best survival (85% at 5 years). There remains a need for larger studies to define the best treatment for th is uncommon condition.