Abstract
We have experienced 88 cases with 105 foci of protruded atypical epithelium (ATPFs) in the past 11 years, including 22 operated cases with 27 foci and out of them 38 cases with 48 foci which have been followed up clinically. Consequently the following results were obtained. 1) The mean age at the dhagnosis of ATPFs was 63.1 years and a male to female ratio was 3.2 to 1. 2) ATPFs were found in the gastric antrum in 58%, and their maximum diameter were less than 2.0cm in 91%. 3) Gastric carcinoma was associated in 19%. 4) Of 16 ATPFs confirmed postoperatively, 11 were diagnosed properly as Group IV by endoscopic biopsy preoperatively (63%), and the remainder were interpreted as Group IV (37%). 5) No malignant transformation was encountered among the foci of Group IV. 6) During the follow-up period, 3 foci increased in size (6.5%) and 4 decreased in size (8.7%). 7) There were some lesions, which were regarded as Group IV by endoscopic biopsy though carcinoma was strongly suspected by X-ray or endoscopy. 8) ATPFs less than 2.0cm in size should be followed up by performing X-ray and endoscopy including endoscopic biopsy once a year. It is desirable for those over 2.1 cm in size to be operated on.
