Background Dysplasia is the precancerous lesion of the stomach and is classified according to different criteria. Dysplasias are rarely found alone, most commonly in association with carcinoma. Methods The established classification of gastric carcinoma includes site, histological tumour type, histological grade of differentiation, residual (R) tumour classification and pTNM classification with stage grouping. Results The Lauren classification is important in operative planning (extent of operation on the stomach and esophagus). Additional conventional classification parameters and those belonging to the “New Pathology” are at present not proven independent prognostic factors and have no influence on treatment methods. Conclusions The basic information provided by the pathologist's assessment is nowadays well-defined, and a desirable extended documentation of resection specimen findings is presented.