[Diffuse heterotopic multiple cysts of the stomach with special reference to the histogenesis and relationship with gastric cancer].

Ten patients with diffuse multiple glands or cysts in the submucosal layer of the stomach have been extensively studied. The structure of the cyst wall showed two patterns, consisting of monolayer cuboidal or cylindrical cells and pseudoantral or parietal mucosa. All of the multiple cysts were in the submucosal layer under the gastric mucosa with intestinal metaplasia. In these mucosal layers, erosion and ulcer were frequently observed. Four patients had multiple gastric cancers, and the cancers were surrounded by the metaplastic gastric mucosa. We speculated this disorder to be a peculiar regenerative change after gastritis, especially erosion. That repeated erosion and regeneration leads to carcinoma in the stomach with diffuse, heterotopic multiple cysts.