PRIMARY GASTRIC LYMPHOMA OF THE MALT - DI AGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Primary gastric lymphoma are nowadays considered as a distinct lymphom a entity. Their classification is based on the concept of MALT (Mucosa -associated lymphoid tissue). Within the gastrointestinal tract, the s tomach is most frequently involved. In the pathogenesis of gastric lym phoma, Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis plays all important, c onditioning role. Usually, the diagnosis of gastric lymphoma can be es tablished on the basis of endoscopic biopsies. Endoscopic ultrasound s eems highly useful for differentiating the depth of lymphoma infiltrat ion and for evaluating the perigastric lymph nodes. Options in the the rapy of gastric lymphoma are based on their histological grade and sta ge of the disease. They include surgical resection and/or radiotherapy tor local tumor control as well as chemotherapy in the case of dissem inated disease or high malignancy. Currently, special interest focuses on the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication.