Pathologic and phenotypic features of gastric cancer.

This article covers the basic pathologic features of gastric cancer. Gastric cancer is not a single entity but consists of several major tumor types. The risk factors for their development and their pathological features are discussed. The two major forms of gastric cancer, intestinal and diffuse, are described, as are the settings in which they arise. A number of prognostic factors exist for gastric cancer, including traditional pathologic variables such as histological staging grade and tumor type. Some more recent potential markers involve determinants of biologic behavior. The more frequently encountered types are covered, as well as their clinical implications. Finally, a scheme for standardized handling of gastric resection specimens is presented.