Medical Advices Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Cancer’

The low incidence of stomach cancer in Western countries eliminates the need for studies of early diagnosis. However, in Japan this cancer is 11% of all deaths among adult males. Therefore routine gastroscopy performed the workplace, which has coincided with a reduction in mortality from gastric cancer. It is unknown whether these two facts are related.

Another possibility is the radiology study with barium, in which the patient swallows a contrast fluid vessel and subjected to X-rays to see inside the esophagus and stomach. While it is easiest that endoscopy is less accurate and does not allow biopsies.

There is a close association between gastric infection by a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, found in 30% of Western populations and stomach cancer. The H pylori has demonstrated its ability to induce disease in experimental models. In addition, bacteria seem to be determinant in the development of duodenal ulcer, so proper diagnosis and treatment may reduce the risk of ulcers and cancer. Read the rest of this entry »

Study techniques in high-risk patients are endoscopy (examination of the inside of the esophagus with a telescope) and biopsy (removal of a small sample of tissue for microscopic study). Patients with long-standing gastroesophageal reflux, manifested as heartburn are at greater risk of developing esophageal cancer if stomach acid damages the inner lining (mucosa) of the lower third of the esophagus.

In normal situation, the inner layer is composed of squamous cells, similar to the skin. With the ebb these cells are replaced by mucus-secreting and are similar to those of the intestine. This change in the cell types is called Barrett’s esophagus (by the British surgeon who first described it). Unfortunately, this injury increases the risk of cancer. Read the rest of this entry »

Cancer Hereditary non-polyposis colon

This type of colorectal cancer develops within family groups. Most of the genes responsible for HNPCC have been identified recently and therefore today can be identified in the laboratory by DNA studies. This identification can be performed on tumor tissue removed by surgery. If the mutation is found, you can make the determination of the mutation in blood samples from relatives. Those who submitted will undergo colonoscopies for early diagnosis. However, this type of genetic research is not available in all centers.

One of the most important is related to increased risk of HNPCC patients presenting with other cancers such as stomach, uterus, ovaries and breast. It is therefore reasonable that these individuals are subjected to diagnostic studies aimed at exploring these organs, such as gastroscopy (stomach), mammography (breast), uterine cytology and gynecologic ultrasound. But there is no evidence that such intensive diagnostic program offers benefits over risks and would cause discomfort to patients. Read the rest of this entry »