Multiple Irregular and Large Ulcers - Biopsy nr 3

Until the early 1990's surgery was probably the most commonly used treatment for gastric MALT lymphoma. However, with the recognition of the common association between gastric MALT lymphoma and Helicobacter infection and following some laboratory-based studies on cells derived from lymphomas, it was suggested that eradication of Helicobacter alone might have a therapeutic effect. Further studies some of which now have follow-up extending to over ten years, have shown that eradication of Helicobacter alone can induce tumour regression in 50-70% of cases. The cases that respond the best are those that have not extended very far through the gastric wall and have not spread to lymph nodes. An initial antibiotic-based regime for eradication is usually prescribed, followed by endoscopies to confirm eradication of the organism and to assess tumour response.