The patient, who regularly consumes alcohol and tobacco, recently reported fatigue, decreased appetite, bowel movements 3 times a day sometimes with blood, and a 3 kg weight loss over 3 months to doctors at Medlatec Hospital.
An endoscopy revealed a 4 cm long ulcerated lesion in his esophagus. A biopsy of 3 tissue samples confirmed invasive squamous cell carcinoma, grade 2.
A simultaneous colonoscopy revealed a large ulcerated lesion almost entirely obstructing the rectum near the anus. A biopsy of 5 tissue samples confirmed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell features.
Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with both rectal and esophageal cancer and received a treatment plan.
The upper digestive tract includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, biliary tract, and small intestine. Persistent symptoms like difficulty swallowing, bloating, indigestion, acid reflux, abdominal pain, dry heaving, vomiting blood, along with fatigue and weight loss, can be warning signs of cancer.
The lower digestive tract includes the colon, rectum, and anus. Persistent constipation or diarrhea, along with rectal bleeding, are also noteworthy symptoms.
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A patient undergoing a gastroscopy at the hospital. Photo: *Hospital* |
Gastrointestinal cancer is among the most prevalent cancers in Vietnam. According to the World Health Organization (Globacan 2020), Vietnam records over 17,000 new cases of stomach cancer, 14,000 cases of colon cancer, and 3,200 cases of esophageal cancer annually. However, early detection rates remain low, with most cases diagnosed at later stages.
Symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer are easily mistaken for other digestive issues. Therefore, anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a specialist or undergo early screening for gastrointestinal cancer, which may include blood tests, ultrasounds, X-rays, endoscopies, and PET/CT scans as directed by physicians.
Associate Professor, Doctor Luu Tuan Thanh, Deputy Director of the Digestive Center, stated that the disease is treatable if detected and treated early with the appropriate protocol. Endoscopy is a crucial method for early detection of precancerous and cancerous lesions, allowing for effective intervention and minimizing the risk of severe complications and death.
Doctor Thanh recommends annual screening for gastrointestinal cancer for individuals over 50, smokers, heavy drinkers, and those with a family history of stomach or colon cancer.
Le Nga
