gastric cancer

Question 1

define gastric cancer?

Answer 1

● Cancer of the stomach

Question 2

what are the risk factors for gastric cancer?

Answer 2

o	Pylori infection 
o	Blood group A 
o	Gastric adenomatous polyps  
o	Pernicious anaemia 
o	Smoking 
o	Diet: salty, spicy, nitrates 
o	Can be negatively associated with duodenal ulcers

Question 3

epidemiology of gastric cancer?

Answer 3

●	Incidence is decreasing
●	COMMON cause of cancer death worldwide 
●	Highest incidence in JAPAN 
●	Peak age 70-80 years 
●	More common in males

Question 4

presenting symptoms of gastric cancer?

Answer 4

●	New onset dyspepsia in a patient >55 years 
●	Unexplained persistent vomiting 
●	Unexplained weight loss 
●	Progressively worsening dysphagia 
●	Odynophagia (pain when swallowing) 
●	Epigastric pain

Question 5

signs of gastric cancer on examination?

Answer 5

●	Epigastric mass
●	Abdominal tenderness 
●	Ascites 
●	Signs of anaemia
●	Virchow's Node 
●	Sister Mary Joseph's Nodule 
●	Krukenberg's Tumour (ovarian metastases)

Question 6

diagnostic investigation for gastric cancer?

Answer 6

Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy

o Biopsy might show signet ring cells

Question 7

how can gastric cancer be staged?

Answer 7

o CT scanning of the chest abdomen and pelvis
o Laparoscopy
o PET CT scan