Gastric carcinoma is the fourth most common malignancy in Western Europe and a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The natural history of the disease is not fully understood and the molecular mechanisms are unknown. An increased risk for gastric cancer in chronic atrophic gastritis is well established. Helicobacter pylori (HP) is one of the main causes of chronic gastritis. It has been suggested that HP plays a role in gastric carcinogenesis. Gastric epithelial Dysplasia (GD) is generally accepted as the main precancerous lession of the gastric mucosa. GD was found in chronic gastritis, adenomas, gastric remnants, chronic ulcer and Menetrier disease.

Although it is well known that GD is a dynamic process capable of progression and regression a limited number of studies focus on the parameters which influence this phenomenon. In few prospective studies, progression of the GD in high risk populations, was found to be influenced by factors, such as nitrate content in gastric juice and excessive salt intake. However it hasnΆt been influenced by the presence of chronic gastritis. In conclusion the relationship between GD and Chronic gastritis remains uncertain.

Key words: Chronic gastritis, Gastric Dysplasia

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Hellenic Archives of Pathology, 1994, 8(3): 128-132