Overview and Pathology of Gastric Cancer

摘要: For most of the twentieth century, gastric cancer was major burden worldwide. Its etiology and pathogenesis were obscure. Several events have changed that outlook, currently, it ranks in second place mortality from cancer, after lung cancer. A gradual decline incidence has been taking for several decades, first seen more affluent societies then other countries. The reasons this are not entirely clear. However, coincided with societal changes. Improvement economic parameters many populations reflected better home sanitation general nutrition. Fresh fruits vegetables became available year round because new technologies refrigeration transportation. Other changes dietary practices, such as decrease intake salt may also be linked to incidence. Another relevant event development technology flexible fiberoptic endoscopy its generalization practice medicine. This instrument allowed scrutiny early management precancerous lesions identified biopsies. had previously by pathologists, based on autopsy studies gastrectomy specimens. These observations clearly established fact there mucosa preceded clinical diagnosis decades. recognition an infectious agent, namely, Helicobacter pylori, is intimately associated development. In 1994, International Agency Research Cancer (IARC) classified H. pylori infection a class I carcinogen (IARC, 1994). That decision epidemiologic observations, without support experimental studies. Soon that, documented Mongolian gerbils infected (Watanabe et al. 1998). Since then, importance agents potential carcinogens recognized. Agents induce chronic active inflammation special interest. research focus at present time explores role causation. opens way identification either lead or prevent neoplastic outcome, possibly leading prevention strategies.