THE IMPORTANCE OF MORPHOLOGICAL-CLINICAL CONSISTENCY: THROUGH THE REVIEW OF GASTRIC BIOPSIES IN NORTH-EASTERN ANATOLIA REGION IN TURKEY

OBJECTIVE: In our study we aimed to make a generally review of gastric biyopsies in North-Eastern Anatolia region in Turkey such as; percentages of malignancy or dysplasia, reasons of re-biopsy recommendations and results of second biopsies if taken. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1840 gastric biopsies which examined by 3 pathologists at 2 centers were analyzed retrospectively. Percentages of malignancy or dysplasia, cases which were recommended for re-biopsies, reasons of recommendations and results of re-biopsies were examined. In the results of the second biopsies, dysplasia, malignancy and gastritis were accepted as a significant result. RESULTS: The mean age of our cases was 52.9 ± 16.6 years (range: 18-95 years). 1012 (55%) patients were females and 828 (45%) patients were males. In 90 out of 1840 cases, biopsies were taken for suspect of malignancy, clinically. 35 of 90 cases were reported as malignancy. In 61 out of 1840 cases re-biopsy were recommended. Reasons of recommendations for re-biopsy categorized in three groups: suspect of malignancy- clinically, suspect of malignancy- morphologically, insufficient (superficial) biopsies. 12 (46.2%) of 26 cases which were taken second biopsies were reported as malignancy and gastric dysplasia. Only in 2 (7.6%) of 26 cases the results were insignificant (insufficient biopsy). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic findings provide information about the diagnosis but are not pathognomonic which also need histological confirmation. Close working relationship and a good dialogue between the pathologist and the gastroenterologist is essential for clinical-morpological consistency, morphological-clinical consistency and final diagnosis