On 19/9, Medlatec General Hospital reported a case of a 58-year-old man who experienced digestive problems for three months, accompanied by epigastric pain. He suffered from nausea, vomiting of undigested food, loose stools three times a day, a 5 kg weight loss, along with loss of appetite and fatigue. He had previously sought medical advice at other facilities but received no clear diagnosis.

An endoscopy at Medlatec revealed edema, congestion, and multiple bleeding ulcers in his stomach. Four tissue samples were taken from the ulcers for histopathological examination, which confirmed a diagnosis of stomach cancer with peritoneal metastasis.

Doctor Pham Thi Que from the Digestive Center explained that stomach cancer involves the abnormal growth of cells, forming wart-like or ulcerative lesions. This process is slow, potentially spanning decades, often causing no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer is often advanced, possibly even metastasized.

The spread of stomach cancer to other organs is known as metastatic stomach cancer. When malignant cells reach the lymph nodes, lumps may become palpable under the skin. Liver metastasis can cause jaundice and yellowing of the eyes. Abdominal distension due to fluid accumulation can occur when the tumor spreads to the abdomen.

Early detection of stomach cancer significantly improves the chances of a full recovery, approaching a near 100% cure rate, according to Doctor Que. Regular screening is recommended, especially for high-risk groups, including those with a family history of cancer, a history of chronic gastritis or ulcers, or gastrointestinal polyposis. Early signs of stomach cancer, such as abdominal discomfort, bloating after meals, and slow digestion, should also be taken seriously.

Thuy Quynh