The type of gastric endocrine tumours and their precusor lesions

Abstract AIM The study differentiates specific types of gastric endocrine tumours and their biological behaviour.METHODS A immmunohistochemical method using ten antibodes was carried out in 42 gastric endocrine tumours and extratumoral mucosa.RESULTS Two variants of gastric endocrine tumours were identified. Chronic atrophic gastritis type A (CAG-A) was found in 26 cases showing tumor extension limited to the mucosa or submucosa, consitent hypegastrinemia and G cell hyperplasia. The 16 associated chronic atrophic gastritis type B (CAG-B) or nonatrophic mucosa showing extratumoral proliferation of endocrine cell was not serious, were more aggressive.CONCLUSIONS It is of relevance for tumor biological behaviour and may provide the rationale for less aggressive therapeutic approach in the patients.