RESUMEN
This study is based on data collected from 388 patients registered with primary cancer of the gastrointestinal tract and its accessory glands. The diagnosis was confirmed histophathologically in all patients. These patients were seen at Al-Thawra Teaching Hospital in the period 1998-2001. The relative frequency and rank of order were determined for each type of GIT cancer. The male/female ratio was 1.3:1. The age of the patients ranged between 25-65 years with a mean of 45 years. The peak occurrence was in the age group of 46-55 years. Abdominal pain was reported in all patients. 'The other most common presenting symptoms were weight loss, weakness, vomiting and abdominal distension reported in 79.9%, 77.3%, 74.5% and 72.2%, respectively. Hepatocellular carcinoma was the most common GIT cancer, ranked the first and diagnosed in 150[38.7%] patients. Colorectal carcinoma ranked the second, followed by esophagus and small intestine cancers found in 25.8%, 18% and 7.7%, respectively. Stomach and pancreatic cancers were less frequent, recorded in 7.2% and 2.6% in that order. No gallbladder cancer or premalignant conditions were registered. The results of this study were compared with findings mentioned in the literature. Some differences in the pattern of GIT cancers were encountered. GIT cancers were often discovered in late stage, when the treatment offers little chance of cure. The study stresses the importance of prevention, screening and early detection for GIT malignancy. Furthermore, eradication of H. pylori and vaccination against HBV preferably integrated into expanded program of immunization are strongly recommended