Helicobacter pylori and lymphoproliferative disorders

Primary gastric lymphoma of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue represent a d istinct entity which is documented by their own histological classification . Our knowledge about all aspects of these lymphoma has substantially incre ased during the last few years. Epidemiological, histomorphological, molecu lar-biological and experimental data clearly underline that Helicobacter py lori infection of the gastric mucosa without doubt plays an important role both in the development and progression of MALT lymphoma. Considering histo logical malignancy (low grade and high grade lymphoma) and dissemination of the disease (stage) as decisive prognostic factors and therapeutical deter minants, endoscopic bioptic diagnosis as well as endoscopic ultrasound are of major importance in establishing diagnosis and clinical stage. In the case of localized lout gl ade lymphoma, eradication of Helicobacter pylori offers a promising therapeutic option. Surgical resection and radioc hemotherapy have proven to be effective treatment modalities. There is a ne ed for randomised trials to establish whether operative or conservative the rapeutic strategies have to be favoured in the future.