Primary Gastric Lymphoma, Epidemiology, Clinical Diagnosis, and Treatment

Primary gastric lymphoma (PGL) is the most common extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma and represents a wide spectrum of disease, ranging from indolent low-grade marginal zone lymphoma or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma to aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The PGL is a relatively rare cancer and easily misdiagnosed due to its unspecific symptoms of the digestive tract. The medical literature and ongoing clinical trials were reviewed on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, and treatment of PGL. Primary gastric lymphoma is an event in the course of cancer with a variable clinical presentation and a wide differential diagnosis. Chronic gastritis secondary to Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection has been considered a major predisposing factor for MALT lymphoma. Magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic ultrasonography have helped in staging of these cancers. The clinical course and prognosis of this disease are dependent on histopathological subtype and stage at the time of diagnosis. A global therapeutic approach to the cure of PGL has completely changed over the past 10 years, including innovative and conservative options to reduce treatment toxicity. Due to the rarity of PGL, many aspects of this neoplasm are still controversial. The incidence of this disease is increasing, making it necessary for clinicians to understand the clinical symptoms, workup, and treatment of these lymphomas.