X-rays are generally unreliable in finding small, early lesions. Gastric analysis is of limited value. Treatment Excision of the tumor when possible offers the only hope of cure. The prognosis is good if the tumor is limited to the mucosa and submucosa. In the USA, surgical results are poor because most patients present with more extensive cancer.
Surgical results are better in Japan, where early cancers are detected by mass screening.
Results with primary lymphoma of the stomach are better than those with gastric adenocarcinoma. There may be long survivals and even cure, particularly with malignant lymphoma. Combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy may also be curative in gastric lymphoma. Gastric adenocarcinoma patients with malignant ulcers have the best results, possibly because symptoms bring them to the physician earlier. Adjuvant chemotherapy or combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy are investigational techniques used after gastric resection.