Early diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer improves quality of life

Mr. Gao, 45 years old, went to the hospital for gastroscopy because of stomach discomfort. Gastroscopy revealed that his gastric mucosa was uneven, and further pathological examination diagnosed it as early gastric cancer. Because gastric cancer was in the early stage, Mr. Gao chose to undergo endoscopic early gastric cancer resection. After that, he had annual checkups, and 5 years have passed, and no signs of gastric cancer recurrence have been found. At the same time, because he only underwent endoscopic surgery, his quality of life was not affected.

Mr. Li, also 45 years old, was diagnosed with gastric ulcer many years ago. Over the years, whenever he felt uncomfortable, he would take some medicine on his own, and the symptoms would be relieved accordingly, so he rarely had a gastroscopy. But during the most recent physical examination, it was unexpectedly discovered that Mr. Li was already in the late stage of gastric cancer, and had already metastasized to the liver, and he lost the opportunity for surgery.

Expert Comments

It is not difficult to see that the main reason for the different outcomes of the two patients of the same age is that Mr. Gao was diagnosed with early-stage gastric cancer and received early treatment, while Mr. Li did not pay attention to his ulcer disease. When he discovered gastric cancer, it was already in the late stage and he lost the opportunity for surgery. Although gastric cancer is dangerous, it is completely possible to cure it if it can be diagnosed and treated early, and a higher quality of life can be guaranteed. Gastroscopy is the best screening method for early gastric cancer. With the advancement of painless gastroscopy and colonoscopy technology, the operation time has been significantly shortened, and most patients do not feel too much pain during gastroscopy and colonoscopy examinations.