Early and advanced gastric cancer: Are there differences?

Abstract

Introduction: Gastric cancer in Colombia is a disease of high prevalence and mortality. Is very important detect this neoplasm in early stages through upper endoscopy. Objectives: To describe demographical, clinical and endoscopic characteristics of a cohort from a third level hospital in Bogota –Colombia- with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) or early gastric cancer (EGC) to establish characteristics that allow defining a clinical and endoscopic . Materials and methods: 302 patients were collected from July of 2005 to December of 2013. Endoscopic reports and clinical histories were evaluated. Qualitative variables were expressed with proportions and continuous variables with means. Statistical analysis was performed through chi square test and parametric test (T student). Results: 65 patients had the diagnosis of EGC (mean age: 63 years) and 237 AGC (mean age: 52 years). EGC more often in women 51% as AGC was in men with 63%. Early lesions were commonly found in patients with dyspeptic symptoms (52%). Besides, in AGC were found more frequently warning signs. There were no differences in the localization of tumors. Paris endoscopy classification found in early lesions was: 23% I, 32% IIa, 6% 31% IIc y 8% III. Conclusions: EGC is more common in women and the average age is higher this may be related with diffuse cancer patients being younger. Warning symptoms are good indicators for early diagnosis. Endoscopic evaluation should be done according to systematic methods available in institutions.