Diagnosis and endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer.

The overall prognosis of gastric cancer is generally poor due to late presentation and diagnosis. When detected early, the prognosis for gastric cancer is excellent, and curative endoscopic resection may be possible, without the need for surgery. Careful endoscopic examination is important so as to avoid missed lesions. Endoscopic resection, especially with the technique of endoscopic submucosal dissection, is a viable alternative to surgery for the curative treatment of early gastric cancer, with similar long term results, as long as strict inclusion criteria are adhered to.