[The use of a cytological method for the formation of groups at risk for stomach cancer].

Cytologic evaluation of the degree of cell atypia associated with epithelial cell proliferation was carried out in specimens obtained from 976 patients with gastritis, ulcer and polyps of the stomach. Moderate, pronounced and severe atypia were distinguished. A correlation was found between degree of cell atypia and the incidence of dysplastic changes in gastric epithelium which makes the case for the use of the cytologic method in the formation of groups of high risk for stomach cancer.