ObjectiveTo understand the latest research progress of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in occurrence and development mechanisms of common digestive system neoplasms. MethodLiteratures about regulated occurrence and development mechanisms of digestive system neoplasms by lncRNA were reviewed according to the results searched from PubMed. ResultsThere were three main function modes (decoy, guide, and scaffold) of the lncRNAs, which could regulate proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis of the digestive system neoplasms, such as gastrointestinal cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer through the mechanisms of the epigenetic regulation, transcription regulation, and posttranscription regulation. ConclusionsThe functions and tumorigenic mechanisms of the most lncRNAs are not entirely clear. The functions of lncRNAs played in the digestive system neoplasms needs to be understood, which might contribute to new tumor biomarker detection and effective treatment strategies.