On 10/1, representatives from Hospital 19-8, Ministry of Public Security, reported a rare and complex clinical case involving a patient diagnosed with two primary gastrointestinal cancers. This situation required precise diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment strategy.

The patient was admitted experiencing prolonged digestive issues, significant weight loss, and fatigue. Subsequent diagnostic procedures, including endoscopy, imaging, and histopathology, confirmed the presence of two independent primary malignant tumors located in the stomach and colon. These findings ruled out metastatic spread, indicating two distinct cancer origins.

Given the complexity of the case, the hospital convened a multidisciplinary consultation. This team developed an individualized treatment plan, focusing on surgery and the patient's long-term prognosis. The surgical team successfully performed a radical resection of both tumors, including lymph node dissection, while preserving the patient's digestive function.

Post-surgery, the patient's health stabilized.

Doctors perform surgery on the patient. *Hospital provided*.

According to the World Cancer Organization (Globacan 2020), Vietnam reports over 17,000 new stomach cancer cases and 14,000 new colon cancer cases each year. A small number of patients are diagnosed early, with most cases identified at advanced stages. For individuals under 40, the incidence of colon cancer is nearly 30%, frequently developing from polyps and adenomas. Key causes of stomach cancer include family history and helicobacter pylori (HP) infection.

While the precise causes of many cancers are still unknown, studies point to a combination of factors, particularly for gastrointestinal cancers. These include lifestyle, environment, habits, age, and genetics. Additionally, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and stimulant abuse are identified risk factors that contribute to the rising incidence of these diseases.

Doctors emphasize that gastrointestinal cancers often progress silently, making early detection challenging. Therefore, regular health check-ups and digestive endoscopy for any unusual symptoms are vital for early diagnosis and enhancing treatment effectiveness.

Thuy Quynh