Changing Trends In Carcinoma Stomach-A Clinico-Pathological Correlation

BACKGROUNDThe aim of this study is to study the incidence, age and sex distribution, commonest clinical presentation, stage at the time of presentation, procedure performed and the outcome of carcinoma of stomach in the patients attending surgical wards in the Government General Hospital, Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada from August 2011 to September 2013. Carcinoma of stomach has been described as "captain of men of death." It is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths. Carcinoma of stomach is the most common gastrointestinal malignancy. Its incidence has been increasing in the developing countries.MATERIALS AND METHODSA prospective study was conducted over 74 patients admitted to surgical wards with carcinoma stomach during August 2011 to September 2013.RESULTSCarcinoma stomach was more common in males between 50 - 70 years, most common presentation is pain abdomen followed by vomiting. It is common in patients with A +ve blood group. Most common site is antrum. Most of the patients presented with stage IV disease.CONCLUSIONThe most important factor in the prognosis of the patient with carcinoma stomach is the stage at the diagnosis and as most of the patients presented late (in advanced stage) they had poor prognosis. So screening by endoscopy in all the patients with symptoms and signs suggestive of carcinoma stomach for early detection should be carried out.