Cancer of the stomach: a review of 854 patients.

A review is presented of 854 patients suffering from cancer of the stomach who attended St Bartholomew's Hospital between 1948 and 1962. The presentations and methods of investigations showed little change over the 15-year period, which is similar to other large series. The symptoms of anaemia and indigestion appear to be paramount in making an early diagnosis, and negative barium meal studies should not be accepted when these two symptoms are present. There are indications that early laporotomy and a more aggressive surgical approach may increase the 5-year survival rate.