Mode of presentation of Malignant Neoplasms of the Stomach

Abstract

The objective of this prospective study is to see the presentation of malignant gastric neoplasms in our community. The mean age of presentation in female was 40.3 years whereas in males it was 57.7 years, which was less as compared to the values given in international studies. Our study also revealed an increased incidence among the males with male to female ratio of 3:2. Twenty (83%) patients belong to low socioeconomic class, of these sixteen (88.8%) patients were from rural areas and were huqqa smokers. 27 patients presented in outpatient department and three patient presented through emergency department. Pain epigastrium (80%), weight loss (66%), malena (26%) and anorexia (15%) were the main symptoms, with duration of 4 to 48month with an average of 24weeks.moreover most of the patients in our study belong to B positive group in contrast to the prevalence of group A positive in Britain. Patients usually presents late because their prime preference is to be treated by quacks, hakeems, spiritual leaders etc. Most patients belonged to the younger age group, low socioeconomic status and were of rural origin.