Abstract

Background: Carcinoma stomach is the 5^th most diagnosed cancer and 3^rd leading cause of death from cancer worldwide. Most tumors are diagnosed within 4^th to 7^th decades of life. Patients generally present in advanced stage, when early gastric cancer is identified survival rates are comparatively greater. The present study aims to evaluate the various modes of presentation of carcinoma stomach, treatment strategies and the associated morbidity and mortality for a better outcome.

Materials and Methods: A Retrospective study was conducted on 25 patients of   carcinoma stomach in the Department of General Surgery, Andhra medical college, King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam from January 2017 to December 2017. Patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of gastric cancer were admitted, examined, investigated using CT, upper GI endoscopy and operated during this period. Factors studied were, epidemiology, mode of presentation, endoscopy findings, CT findings, treatment, associated morbidity and mortality.

Results:  Of the 25 patients studied 18 were male and 7 were female, most common age group being 50-60 years. Anemia, vomiting, pain abdomen were the most common modes of presentation. Most common site was the pylorus and antrum. 32% of patients underwent curative resection and the rest had palliative treatment. Most common histopathology was infiltrating intestinal type. Mortality rate in our study was 12%.

Conclusion: Carcinoma stomach was seen most commonly after 5^th decade of life. Unfortunately, most cases were diagnosed in advanced stage. Symptoms like weight loss, vague abdominal pain should alert the possibility of gastric cancer. Increasing the awareness regarding etiology and varied clinical presentation is needed for early detection. Early diagnosis through prompt screening helps in reduction of mortality and morbidity.

Keywords: Ca stomach, upper GI endoscopy, diffuse type, infiltrating type.