The authors demonstrate on the basis of several observations of perigastric space-occupying growths in malignoma patients that x-ray examination of the stomach via mucosa and double-contrast imaging yields results of greatest diagnostic value in non-specific upper abdominal complaints. Supplementary diagnostic tools--but by no means competing methods--are often supplied by computed tomography and sonography. In case of extensive infiltration of the gastric wall, gastroscopy is indicated as an additional means to obtain confirmation by biopsy.