Huge gastric carcinoma showing an exophytic growth pattern: a case report and review of the literature.

CASE REPORT: We herein report a case of huge gastric carcinoma showing an exophytic growth pattern. The gastric carcinoma measured 160 x 130 mm in size. A radical resection was judged to be impossible preoperatively since the tumor invasion of the pancreas and liver was demonstrated on computed tomography. A pancreaticoduodenectomy combined with a resection of the transverse colon was performed. A pathological examination demonstrated the tumor to directly invade the pancreas and transverse colon; however, no metastasis was observed in the regional lymph nodes. The patient is alive and doing well without any recurrence at 5 years postoperatively.

DISCUSSION: To obtain a better prognosis for huge gastric carcinoma showing an exophytic growth pattern, extended radical surgery is recommended since the size of the exophytic mass sometimes does not indicate the extent of the tumor.