Malignant Neoplasm Of Stomach Differential Diagnosis Table

Malignant Neoplasm Of Stomach Differential Diagnosis Table:

The stomach is connected to the esophagus at the top and the duodenum at the bottom. It produces gastric acid that decomposes food so the body can absorb it. Malignant neoplasm of the stomach can develop in any part or layer of the stomach, but most cancers begin in glandular cells of the inner lining of the stomach. These are called adenocarcinoma. There are other less frequent types of malignant neoplasm of the stomach, such as squamous cell carcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
Malignant neoplasms of the stomach are more frequent in older people and more prevalent in men than in women, besides being the fifth most frequent cancer worldwide. Several risk factors associated with the development of this entity have been identified, such as Helicobacter pylori infection, alcohol consumption, obesity, gastroesophageal reflux, and smoking. Malignant neoplasm of the stomach does not present symptoms, especially in early stages, but if they do occur, the most common symptoms may be indigestion, vomiting, weight loss, anemia, satiety after eating small portions of food, and swallowing problems.
The diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of the stomach is based on the results of clinical examination and diagnostic tests. During clinical examination, swollen or painful areas will be examined, a stool analysis will be indicated, and an endoscopy will be ordered to biopsy areas that present abnormal aspects to detect the presence of cancerous cells. Treatment will vary on certain characteristics including the size, location, and stage of the tumor as well as the general condition of the patient. In an early-stage patient, the tumor can be removed by endoscopic resection, and others that are locally advanced are removed by radical gastrectomy with neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy. For metastatic neoplasm, the first-line treatment is chemotherapy, which can also include targeted chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

How To Distinguish Malignant Neoplasm Of Stomach From Other Diseases

Distinguish Malignant Neoplasm of Stomach from Gastritis – Diagnosis

• Gastritis, as opposed to malignant neoplasm of the stomach, is an acute or chronic inflammation of the mucosa lining the walls of the stomach.
• Gastritis, unlike malignant neoplasm of the stomach, presents pyrosis and swelling in the upper abdominal region and does not present dysphagia.
• Gastritis occurs more frequently between the ages of 20 and 55 years, while malignant neoplasm of the stomach is diagnosed around the age of 70 years.

Distinguish Malignant Neoplasm of Stomach from GORD – Diagnosis

• Unlike malignant neoplasm of the stomach, GORD is the involuntary return of stomach contents into the esophagus.
• GORD, as opposed to malignant neoplasm of the stomach, presents regurgitation, laryngitis, cough, dysphonia, and laryngeal spasm.

Distinguish Malignant Neoplasm of Stomach from Peptic Ulcer Disease – Diagnosis

• Unlike malignant neoplasm of the stomach, peptic ulcer disease presents pain in the epigastrium after ingestion of food and subsides with the ingestion of antacids, slow digestion, hematochezia, and hematemesis.
• Malignant neoplasm of the stomach is a cluster of uncontrolled cells that form a mass or change the epithelium in the stomach, while a peptic ulcer is an oval shape of the stomach mucosa but is not necessarily of malignant character.

Distinguish Malignant Neoplasm of Stomach from Gallstone Disease – Diagnosis

• Gallstone disease, unlike malignant neoplasm of the stomach, includes the presence of bile stones in the bile duct or in the gallbladder.
• Gallstone disease, unlike malignant neoplasm of the stomach, presents tachycardia, fever, sweating, upper right abdominal pain, choluria, and jaundice.
• Gallstone disease, unlike malignant neoplasm of the stomach, is caused by excess cholesterol and bilirubin, and not enough bile salts.
• Gallstone disease is more prevalent in women, while malignant neoplasm of the stomach is more common in men.

Distinguish Malignant Neoplasm of Stomach from Pancreatic Cancer – Diagnosis

• Pancreatic cancer, unlike malignant neoplasm of the stomach, presents jaundice and abdominal pain that radiates to the back.
• Pancreatic cancer is more common in men over 50 years of age, while malignant neoplasm of the stomach is more prevalent in men over 70 years of age.

Common Red Flags With Malignant Neoplasm Of Stomach

Approximately 3% of malignant neoplasms of the stomach are hereditary, meaning they are caused by genetic changes that are transmitted from parents to children.
Patients with metastatic malignancies may undergo molecular testing for the presence of certain biomarkers that can be helpful to decide on certain types of targeted therapy or immunotherapy that may be beneficial to the patient.
It is vital to acknowledge that treatment can provoke complications that may require further interventions, which is the reason treatments must be complemented by interventions aimed at preventing complications arising from both the condition and the treatment to maximize the patient’s quality of life. These interventions may include palliative, survivorship, and end-of-life supportive care and should be coordinated by a multidisciplinary team that will include a physician, dietician, physiotherapist, social worker or spiritual advisor, or an occupational therapist.