Abstract

Introduction: Cancer of the esophagus is the 6^th most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide and 4^th most for India with a poor prognosis. Likewise upper gastro intestinal morbidities are of great concern due to its rapidly changing trend in today’s world. Older male population is more affected compared to younger population due to chronic exposure of several risk factors including food habits, addiction, stress etc. Some genetic factors may also be involved.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of different gastro-intestinal morbidities and to describe the association between age group and gender with the type of GI morbidity, if any.

Materials and Method: It was an observational study with cross sectional design conducted in Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata during January, 2016 to April, 2016 among 139 patients.

Results: Majority of the study subjects were diagnosed to have Carcinoma of Oesophagus (43.2%) and Gastritis (13.7%). The diagnosis of Laryngo-pharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPRD), Duodenal Ulcer and Barret’s Oesophagus was found to be least i.e. accounting for 0.7% each. 45.3% of the study subjects were diagnosed to have malignant disease while 38.1% were having benign conditions. Statistical significant association have observed between higher age group and male gender in development of malignancy.

Conclusion: There is a significant association of higher age group and the increased probability of development of malignancy of the upper GI Tract. The study also concluded the positive association of male gender and development of malignant disease of the upper GI Tract.

Recommendation: Older male subjects presenting with dyspepsia or upper GI symptoms may undergo early endoscopy to rule out malignancy

Keywords: UGI Endoscopy, Malignant diseases, Older Males.