A comparative analysis of the distribution of the high-risk population of upper gastrointestinal cancer and endoscopic screening compliance in two urban areas and two rural areas in China / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To analyze and compare the distribution of the high-risk population of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer and the factors influencing the compliance rate of endoscopic screening in urban China and rural China. Methods: From 2015 to 2017, an epidemiological survey was conducted on residents aged 40-69 in two rural areas (Luoshan county of Henan province, Sheyang county of Jiangsu province) and two urban areas (Changsha city of Hunan province, Harbin city of Heilongjiang province). As a result, high-risk individuals were recommended for endoscopic screening. Chi-square χ(2) test was used to compare the high-risk rate of UGI cancer between urban and rural residents. In addition, the multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing the compliance rate of endoscopic screening. Results: A total of 48, 310 residents aged 40-69 were enrolled in this study, including 22 870 (47.34%) residents from rural areas and 25 440 (52.66%) residents from urban areas. A total of 23 532 individuals were assessed with a high risk of UGI cancer, with an overall risk rate of 48.71%. A higher proportion of participants with high risk was observed in rural China (56.17%, 12 845/22 870) than in urban China (42.01%, 10 687/25 440). A total of 10 971 high-risk individuals with UGI cancer participated in endoscopic screening, with an overall compliance rate of 46.62% (10 971/23 532), 45.15% (5 799/12 845) in rural China, and 48.40% (5 172/10 687) in urban China. In rural population, the compliance rate of endoscopic screening was higher in those of females, aged 50-69 years, primary school education or above, high income, a family history of UGI cancer, history of gastric and duodenal ulcer, history of reflux esophagitis, and history of superficial gastritis, but lower in smokers (P<0.05). Among the urban population, the compliance rate of endoscopic screening was higher in those aged 40-49 years, uneducated, low income, family history of UGI cancer, history of reflux esophagitis, history of superficial gastritis, but lower in smokers (P<0.05). Conclusions: The proportion of participants with high risk of UGI cancer in rural areas is higher than that of urban areas. The compliance rates of endoscopic screening in urban and rural areas are low, and influencing factors of endoscopic screening exhibit some differences in rural China and urban China.

Tumores del estroma gastrointestinal en un Hospital de México / Gastrointestinal stroma tumor in a hospital of Mexico

Introducción: Los tumores del estroma gastrointestinal son neoplasias de comportamiento benigno o maligno. Se originan de las células intersticiales de Cajal del tubo digestivo. Objetivo: Describir dos formas distintas de presentación clínica de los tumores del estroma gastrointestinal. Casos clínicos: El caso 1, paciente femenina de 65 años de edad que acudió por síntomas compresivos del tubo digestivo superior a causa de un gastrointestinal gástrico. El caso 2, paciente masculino de 56 años de edad que acudió por sangrado de tubo digestivo medio ocasionado por un gastrointestinal intestinal. Conclusiones: Los tumores del estroma gastrointestinal tienen distinta presentación clínica. Su tratamiento es esencialmente quirúrgico y en algunos casos complementados con terapia molecular dirigida(AU)

Introduction: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are neoplasms of benign or malignant behavior. They originate from the interstitial cells of Cajal in the digestive tract. Objective: The objective of this work is to describe two different forms of clinical presentation. Case report: case 1: 65-year-old female patient who presented for compression symptoms of the upper digestive tract due to gastric GIST; case 2: 56-year-old male who presented with bleeding from the middle digestive tract caused by intestinal GIST. Conclusions: GISTs have different clinical presentation. Its treatment is essentially surgical and in some cases supplemented with targeted molecular therapy(AU)

Primary nonlymphoid gastrointestinal neoplasms in dogs in Rio Grande do Sul / Neoplasmas gastrointestinais primários não linfoides em cães no Rio Grande do Sul

Gastrointestinal neoplasms (GIN) are uncommon in dogs, but they mainly show malignant behavior and poor prognosis. The types of GIN in dogs and their frequency, as well as their epidemiological and histopathological characteristics were analyzed through a retrospective study of biopsies from 24.711 dogs from 2005 to 2017. Additionally, histological sections of neoplasms were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies against pancytokeratin, vimentin, smooth muscle actin, c-Kit, S-100, CD31, CD79αcy, and neuron-specific enolase. Of the total samples from dogs analyzed, 88 corresponded to GIN. Neoplasms occurred more frequently in purebred dogs (64.8%, 57/88), males (53.4%, 47/88), with a median age of 10 years. The intestine was affected by 84.1% (74/88) of the cases. Of these, the large intestine was the most affected (67.6%, 50/74). Most of the neoplasms had malignant behavior (88.6%, 78/88). Regarding the classification of neoplasms, 46.6% (41/88) of the diagnoses corresponded to epithelial, 46.6% (41/88) were mesenchymal, 5.7% (5/88) were hematopoietic, and 1.1% (1/88) was neuroendocrine. The most frequently diagnosed neoplasms were papillary adenocarcinoma (19.3%, 17/88), leiomyosarcoma (17.0%, 15/88), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) (12.5%, 11/88), and leiomyoma (5.0%, 8/88). Adenocarcinomas were located mainly in the rectum, whereas leiomyosarcomas and GISTs developed mainly in the cecum. Epithelial neoplasms showed a greater potential for lymphatic invasion whereas mesenchymal neoplasms appeared to be more expansive with intratumoral necrosis and hemorrhage. Immunohistochemistry was found to be an important diagnostic technique for the identification of infiltrating cells in carcinomas and an indispensable technique for the definitive diagnosis of sarcomas.(AU)

Neoplasmas gastrointestinais (NGI) são pouco comuns em cães, mas possuem principalmente comportamento maligno e prognóstico reservado. Os tipos de NGI em cães e sua frequência, bem como características epidemiológicas e histopatológicas foram analisados por meio de um estudo retrospectivo dos exames de biópsias de 24.711 cães entre os anos de 2005 a 2017. Adicionalmente, cortes histológicos de NGI foram submetidos à técnica de imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), utilizando os anticorpos anti-pancitoqueratina, vimentina, actina de músculo liso, c-Kit, S-100, CD31, CD79αcy e enolase neurônio específica. Do total de cães analisados, 88 corresponderam a NGI não linfoides. Os neoplasmas ocorreram com maior frequência em cães de raça pura (64,8%, 57/88), machos (53,4%, 47/88), com mediana de idade de 10 anos. O intestino foi acometido em 84,1% dos casos (74/88). Destes, o intestino grosso foi o segmento mais afetado (67,6%, 50/74). A maior parte dos neoplasmas tinha comportamento maligno (88,6%, 78/88). Quanto à classificação, 46,6% (41/88) dos diagnósticos corresponderam a neoplasmas epiteliais, 46,6% (41/88) mesenquimais, 5,7% (5/88) hematopoiéticos e 1,1% (1/88), neuroendócrino. Os neoplasmas mais frequentemente diagnosticados foram adenocarcinoma papilar (19,3%, 17/88), leiomiossarcoma (17,0%, 15/88), tumor estromal gastrointestinal (GIST) (12,5%, 11/88) e leiomioma (12,5%, 8/88). Adenocarcinomas localizavam-se principalmente no reto, enquanto leiomiossarcoma e GISTs desenvolveram-se principalmente no ceco. Os neoplasmas epiteliais demonstraram um potencial maior de invasão linfática enquanto que os mesenquimais aparentaram ser mais expansivos, com necrose e hemorragia intratumorais. A imuno-histoquímica mostrou ser uma técnica diagnóstica importante para a identificação de células neoplásicas infiltravas no caso dos carcinomas e uma técnica indispensável para o diagnóstico definitivo de sarcomas.(AU)

Laparoscopy in gastro- intestinal tumors

Background: Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide. Many studies have shown that the completion of adjuvant chemotherapy improves the survival rate. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to discuss the efficacy and role of diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy as a new trend in managing gastrointestinal tumors. Patients and Methods: This prospective study included a total of 50 patients, whom had gastro-intestinal tumor diagnosed by tissue biopsy and histopathology attending at General Surgery Department, Sayed Galaal Al-Azhar University Hospital. The hospital statistically significant data for the included 50 patients, pre and post diagnostic laparoscopy and surgical intervention were collected and analyzed. Results: A significant percentage of intra-abdominal cancers prove to be inoperable because of metastatic or locally advanced disease despite a preoperative workup suggesting a potentially resectable disease. Conclusion: It could be concluded that diagnostic laparoscopy is accurate staging tool for gastro intestinal tumors as staging method prior to surgery that can change plan to start neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CTR) instead of surgery. Laparoscopic surgery shows also short post- operative patient stay at hospital and early start of CTR

Helicobacter pylori como patogeno emergente en el ser humano / Helicobacter pylori as an emerging pathogen in the human being

Resumen Desde el descubrimiento de Helicobacter pylori como agente infeccioso patógeno en el ser humano se ha ligado con diferentes enfermedades gástricas en el ser humano (úlcera péptica, adenocarcinoma gástrico y linfoma MALT). En los últimos años se ha encontrado además su potencial relación etiológica con enfermedades extradigestivas, tales como la anemia por deficiencia de hierro y la púrpura trombocitopénica inmune. El entendimiento de los mecanismos de defensa del huésped así como los factores de virulencia y patogenicidad de la bacteria ha permitido establecer indicaciones en las que la erradicación mediante antibióticos brinda un beneficio clínico, principalmente para las enfermedades gástricas. Recientemente ha aparecido creciente evidencia del beneficio de esta terapia en otras condiciones digestivas y no digestivas e incluso se ha demostrado un potencial impacto con la estrategia de tamizaje y erradicación poblacional de la bacteria para enfermedades de alta morbimortalidad como el cáncer gástrico. El aumento de la utilización de terapia antimicrobiana ha ido de la mano de la emergencia de la resistencia a los antibióticos empleados, lo cual acarrea un problema de salud pública. Esta revisión temática pretende actualizar los conceptos biológicos y clínicos de la infección y demostrar que esta infección aun debe considerarse como emergente.

Abstract Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori as a pathogenic infectious agent in humans, it has been linked to different gastric diseases in humans (peptic ulcer, gastric adenocarcinoma and MALT lymphoma). In recent years, its potential etiological relationship with extradigestive diseases has also been found, such as iron deficiency anemia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura. The understanding of the host defense mechanisms as well as the virulence and pathogenicity factors of the bacteria has allowed us to establish indications in which antibiotic eradication provides a clinical benefit, mainly for gastric diseases. Recently there has been growing evidence of the benefit of this therapy in other digestive and non-digestive conditions and has even shown a potential impact with the population's screening and eradication strategy of the bacteria for diseases of high morbidity and mortality such as gastric cancer. The increase in the use of antimicrobial therapy has gone hand in hand with the emergence of resistance to the antibiotics used, which leads to a public health problem. This thematic review aims to update the biological and clinical concepts of the infection and demonstrate that this infection should still be considered as emerging.

Is there a link between upper gastrointestinal polyps and colonic polyps? A retrospective study from a Turkish cohort / Existe conexão entre pólipos gastrointestinais proximais e pólipos colônicos? Estudo retrospectivo de uma coorte turca

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence and associated demographical and clinical factors related to lower GI polyps and neoplasms in patients with upper GI polyps and neoplasms. METHODS: We investigated 99 patients who had upper GI polyps and neoplasms and who were screened with colonoscopy: the following data were collected: demographical and clinical data consisting of age, sex, smoking status, presence of H. pylori infection, placement of upper GI polyps or neoplasms, presence of gastric atrophy, usage of proton pump inhibitors (PPI), presence of lower GI polyp or neoplasm, type of colon polyp, pathological grade of colon polyp. The patients were grouped according to having/not having lower GI polyps and neoplasms; data was compared between groups. RESULTS: Smoking rate was significantly higher in patients with lower GI polyps and neoplasms (χ2: 4.35, p: 0.03). Furthermore, there was a signifant association between presence of lower GI polyps and neoplasms vs. smoking (OR: 2.44 CI: 1.01-5.84, p: 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with upper GI polyps and neoplasms who are smokers should be considered as candidates for having lower GI polyps and neoplasms and should be screened and followed more carefully. Additionally, we believe that large sampled and prospective studies are needed to higligt the association between upper GI polyps and presence of lower GI polyps and neoplasms.

OBJETIVO: investigar a incidência, demografia associada e fatores clínicos relativos a pólipos e neoplasias gastrointestinais distais em pacientes com pólipos e neoplasias do trato gastrointestinal superior. MÉTODOS: Foram investigados 99 pacientes que apresentaram pólipos ou neoplasias gastrointestinais superiores selecionados através de colonoscopia: os seguintes dados foram coletados: dados demográficos e clínicos consistentes em idade, sexo, tabagismo, presença de infecção por H. pylori, a presença de pólipos ou neoplasias gastrointestinais proximais, presença de atrofia gástrica, uso de inibidores da bomba de prótons (IBP), presença de pólipo ou neoplasia gastrointestinal distal, tipo de pólipo de cólon, grau patológico de pólipo de cólon. Os pacientes foram agrupados de acordo com ter/não ter pólipos ou neoplasias distais; os dados foram comparados entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: A taxa de tabagismo foi significativamente maior nos pacientes com pólipos e neoplasias distais (χ2: 4.35, p: 0,03). Além disso houve uma associação significante entre a presença de pólipos e neoplasias distais e tabagismo (OR: 2,44 CI: 1,01-5,84, p: 0,04). CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes fumantes com pólipos e neoplasias do trato gastrointestinal superior devem ser considerados candidatos a pólipos e neoplasias distais e devem ser rastreados e seguidos com mais cuidado. Adicionalmente, grandes amostras e estudos prospectivos são necessários para esclarecer a associação entre pólipos gastrointestinais superiores e a presença de pólipos e neoplasias gastrointestinais distais.

Comportamiento clínico, epidemiológico, endoscópico e histológico del cáncer gástrico de tipo epitelial / Clinical, epidemiological, endoscopic and histological behavior of epithelial gastric cancer

INTRODUCCIÓN: el cáncer gástrico constituye un grave problema de salud mundial por ser una de las enfermedades de más difícil control. OBJETIVO: describir las principales características clínicas, epidemiológicas, endoscópicas e histológicas del cáncer gástrico de tipo epitelial. MÉTODOS: estudio observacional de casos y controles, en el Instituto de Gastroenterología, entre septiembre de 2012 y agosto de 2014. Se incluyeron 27 casos y 54 controles. RESULTADOS: predominaron las mujeres (59,3 %, n= 27), fue más frecuente entre 70 a 79 años, edad media de 63,9 años. La epigastralgia fue el síntoma más frecuente en ambos grupos [85,2 % (casos) vs 81,5 % (controles)], su asociación con náuseas, vómitos, astenia, anorexia y pérdida de peso fue más frecuente en los casos, se mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas (P= 0,008, IC= 1,39-25,31). El signo físico más frecuente fue la palidez cutáneo-mucosa. Fueron más frecuentes las lesiones mayores de 2 cm, en los dos tercios distales del estómago, así como el tipo III (clasificación de Paris). El carcinoma de células en anillo de sello predominó (48,1 %). CONCLUSIONES: la epigastralgia asociada a la astenia, la pérdida de peso y la anorexia constituyen la sintomatología clínica más frecuente en los pacientes con cáncer gástrico de tipo epitelial. El tipo histológico más frecuente fue el carcinoma de células en anillo de sello.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric cancer is a serious health problem due to the complexity of its control. OBJECTIVE: Describe the main clinical, epidemiological, endoscopic and histological characteristics of epithelial gastric cancer. METHODS: An observational case-control study was conducted at the Institute of Gastroenterology from September 2012 to August 2014. The study sample consisted of 27 cases and 54 controls. RESULTS: There was a predominance of the female gender (59.3 %, n= 27) and the 70-79 age group, with a mean age of 63.9 years. Epigastralgia was the most common symptom in both groups [85.2 % (cases) vs. 81.5 % (controls)]. Its association with nausea, vomiting, asthenia, anorexia and weight loss was more frequent in cases, with statistically significant differences (P= 0.008, CI= 1.39-25.31). The most common physical sign was skin and mucous pallor. The most frequent lesions were those larger than 2 cm, located in the two distal thirds of the stomach, and type III of the Paris classification. Signet ring cell carcinoma predominated (48.1 %). CONCLUSIONS: Epigastralgia associated to asthenia, weight loss and anorexia are the most common clinical symptoms in patients with epithelial gastric cancer. The most frequent histological type is signet ring cell carcinoma.

Primary gastrointestinal lymphomas - A study of 81 Cases from a Tertiary Healthcare Centre.

Purpose: Retrospective analysis of 81 routinely diagnosed gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma to illustrate clinicopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics with predisposing condition. Materials and Methods: Age, sex, site, tumour stage, associated pathological features like lympho-epithelial lesion (LEL), atrophic gastritis (AG), intestinal metaplasia (IM) and enteropathy changes were analysed. Requisite immunohistochemical panel was applied wherever needed. Results: There were 55 male and 26 female patients with median age of 54.5 years. Site wise distributions were stomach 40, small intestine 22, colon 4, cecum 2, ileocecum 3, esophagus 1 and multiple sites 9. Histological subtypes were mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALTOMA) 48, diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBL) 21, T cell lymphoma 9 [5 anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and 4 enteropathy associated T cell lymphoma (EATL)], immunoproliferative small intestinal disease (IPSID) 2 and follicular lymphoma 1. LEL was present in 31 cases. Of the 19 AG, 8 had associated IM, and 1 case each had associated H Pylori infection and neuroendocrine tumor. Enteropathy was observed in 4 EATL, and one case each of DLBL and high grade MALTOMA. Giardia infection was present in 1 low grade duodenal MALTOMA. Of the 24 resected specimens, 16 were stage IE, 7 stage IIE and 1 stage IV (Mushoff's staging). Conclusion: Primary GI lymphoma was frequently observed in 6 th decade of life with male preponderance. Stomach was the commonest site and high grade MALTOMA being the commonest histological variant. Isolated colonic involvement and intestinal perforations were not infrequent. Rare variants like ALCL and follicular lymphomas were also observed.

Diagnóstico de enfermedades gastroenterológicas en provincia / Diagnosis of gastroenterological diseases in provincial setting

The “diagnosis of gastroenterological diseases in province setting” does not differ from the diagnosis made in the Metropolitan Region (MR). However, in the MR, there are more complex centers with greater numbers of gastroenterologists. The specialists are more concentrated in the private health sector, leaving the public health sector lacking medical hours, at the MR and province. Digestive pathologies expressed by mortality and hospital discharge rates, vary in the different regions of the country, particularly in the case of gastric cancer, which is more frequent in the less developed areas in the central and southern regions of the country. Regions are well equipped in terms of imaging and laboratory for gastroenterological purposes, in both public and private sectors, however, the private sector has achieved more development in the last years.

El “diagnóstico de enfermedades gastroenterológicas en provincia” no difiere mayormente con el que se hace en la Región Metropolitana (RM), no obstante existen centros con implementación más compleja y mayor número de especialistas en gastroenterología a nivel central. La distribución de gastroenterólogos es mayor en el área privada de salud, con gran carencia de horas médicas en el sistema público, tanto en la RM como en provincia. Las patologías digestivas expresadas por tasas de mortalidad y egresos hospitalarios difieren en las distintas zonas del país, especialmente el cáncer gástrico, en áreas más pobres, preferentemente zona centro sur del país. Las regiones cuentan con implementación en gastroenterología, imágenes y laboratorio tanto en el sector público, como privado, no obstante este último ha logrado mayor desarrollo en los últimos años.

Relação entre fatores alimentares e antropométricos e neoplasias do trato gastrointestinal: investigações conduzidas no Brasil / Relationship between dietary factors and anthropometric and gastrointestinal tract neoplasms: investigations done in Brazil

Introdução: O câncer caracteriza-se como importante problema de saúde pública tanto em países desenvolvidos como em países em desenvolvimento. Entre os cânceres que acometem o trato gastrointestinal, os mais incidentes são: cólon e reto, estômago, cavidade oral e esôfago. Hábitos alimentares inadequados, obesidade, tabagismo e sedentarismo são apontados como importantes fatores de risco. Objetivo: Traçar o perfil dos estudos populacionais realizados no Brasil que investigaram a relação entre as neoplasias do trato gastrointestinal e fatores nutricionais, como antropometria e consumo alimentar. Método: Revisão sistemática da literatura, realizada por meio de buscas bibliográficas nos bancosde dados informatizados, de artigos que investigaram a relação entre neoplasias do trato gastrointestinal e fatores nutricionais no Brasil. Resultados: Foram selecionados 15 artigos, sendo sete estudos sobre o câncer oral, quatro sobre o câncer de estômago, dois sobre o câncer de esôfago e dois sobre o câncer de cólon e reto. A maioria foi estudo transversal, seguido de caso-controle e ecológico. Entre os estudos, 14 avaliaram as neoplasias em relação aos fatores dietéticos e investigaram o consumo de bebida alcoólica. Os fatores antropométricos foram investigados por apenas umestudo. Verificou-se a concentração dos estudos em grandes centros urbanos, a pouca realização de estudos e a pequena produção de desenhos epidemiológicos com poder analítico para estabelecer possíveis fatores de risco nutricionais para as neoplasias estudadas. Conclusão: É necessário colocar a importância de uma maior exploração dessa relação no Brasil, para que sejam estabelecidas ações mais direcionadas visando a modificar a situação epidemiológica do câncer gastrointestinal no país.

Lymphomas of the gastro-intestinal tract - Pathophysiology, pathology, and differential diagnosis.

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is the most commonly involved site of extranodal lymphomas. The close association between chronic inflammation and specific GIT lymphomas not only provide interesting insights into the pathobiology of lymphomas but also poses unique diagnostic challenges. A clear understanding of marginal zone and mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) in health and disease is helpful to place GIT lymphomas in proper context. A wide variety of lymphomas besides MALT lymphomas occur in various parts of the GIT. The characteristic pathological, immunophenotypic, and genetic features of different GIT lymphomas categorized according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification are presented. The epidemiological, clinical, and pathological features of lymphomas occurring in each part of the GIT are summarized and the key points regarding lymphomas at each site are emphasized. A tabular summary of the important differential diagnostic considerations at each site is given and suggestions for a minimal diagnostic work up are provided.

Gastrointestinal lymphomas: Pattern of distribution and histological subtypes: 10 years experience in a tertiary centre in South India.

Background and Aim: Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is one of the major sites of extra-nodal lymphomas constituting 10-15% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cases and about 30-40% of extra-nodal lymphomas. Considerable variation exists in the literature with respect to incidence of the various histological subtypes and sites of involvement. This study was undertaken to ascertain the anatomic distribution, histological subtypes and sites of all GIT lymphomas presenting to a tertiary referral hospital in southern India. Materials and Methods: The histological material of 361 patients over a period of 10 years (2001-2010), with histopathological diagnosis of lymphoma involving the GIT (both primary and secondary), was analyzed retrospectively. All lymphomas were reclassified according to the World Health Organization 2008 classification. Results: These 361 cases include 336 primary and 25 cases of lymphomas, where the involvement was secondary. Primary lymphomas consisted of 267 males (79.64%) and 68 females (20.24%) with a male:female ratio of 3.93:1. The mean age was 45 years (range 3-88). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was the commonest subtype (222 cases; 66.71%), followed by low-grade marginal zone lymphoma of the mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type (34 cases; 10.12%) and Burkitt's lymphoma (35 cases; 10.48%). The commonest site was stomach (180 cases; 53.57%), followed by small intestine (79 cases; 23.51%) and large intestine (68 cases; 20.23%), respectively. There were some uncommon types of GIT lymphomas documented during the study. Conclusion: In this largest retrospective single centre study from India, we establish that the pattern of distribution of primary GIT lymphomas (PGLs) in India is similar to the western literature in that the stomach is the commonest site of PGL and DLBCL is the commonest histological subtype. Immunoproliferative small intestinal disease cases were seen in this study, which is uncommon in the west.

Clinicopathologic spectrum of gastro intestinal stromal tumours - Experience at a tertiary care center.

Context: Accurate diagnosis of Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and categorization of risk groups is crucial in the wake of targeted drug therapy. Aim: This study was undertaken to obtain insight into the clinicopathologic features of GISTs. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of 20 cases of c-KIT (CD 117) positive GISTs .Various histologic parameters were studied. Immunohistochemical panel included CD-34, Smooth muscle actin, S-100, Desmin, and Vimentin. Risk categorization was done as per standard protocol. Clinical details and follow up were retrieved from cases files. Results: Of the total 20 cases, 15 were males. The mean age of presentation was 52 years. 50 % of the cases presented with gastro intestinal bleeding .The cases were categorized as high risk (60%), intermediate risk (20%), low risk (15%) and very low risk (5%). Stomach and small intestine were commonly involved and in 6 of the cases there were metastatic nodules in the mesentery/omentum/ peritoneum. Spindle cell morphology was the commonest histological pattern (55%). Nuclear pleomorphism, perivascular whorling, mucosal and fat invasion were seen only in the high risk group. CD-34, SMA and S-100 were positive in 90%, 30%, and 10% of the cases, respectively, with consistent Desmin negativity. Conclusions: Cases of GISTs in our clinical setting presented a decade earlier and mostly belonged to the high risk group. Certain histological features such as necrosis, and perivascular whorling were more commonly associated with the high risk groups.

Hallazgos endoscópicos en pacientes ambulatorios referidos a endoscopia por síntomas digestivos altos / Endoscopic findings in ambulatory patients referred to endoscopy for upper digestive symptoms

Antecedentes: La realización de endoscopia como primer estudio de un paciente con dispepsia es muy controvertida. Objetivos: Conocer la frecuencia de patología orgánica en pacientes con dispepsia a quienes se les solicita endoscopia digestiva alta, tanto desde la atención primaria como desde los consultorios de especialidades. Métodos: Se analizó la base de datos de endoscopias de nuestro centro en el período 1999-2002. Los diagnósticos de cáncer se confirmaron histológicamente. Resultados: En 10.275 endoscopias practicadas en ese período, 1.488 fueron por dispepsia, 2.536 por síndrome ulceroso y 1.055 por reflujo gastroesofágico. En el grupo con dispepsia se encontró patología orgánica en un 33 por ciento, predominando la gastritis significativa y la esofagitis erosiva. La frecuencia de cáncer gástrico fue baja (0,1 por ciento) y sólo apareció en pacientes sobre 40 años y especialmente en mayores de 60. Lo mismo ocurrió en pacientes referidos por síndrome ulceroso y por reflujo gastroesofágico. Conclusiones: Solicitar endoscopia a pacientes con dispepsia está justificado porque un tercio de ellos tienen patologías de fácil y efectivo tratamiento. El acceso irrestricto a la endoscopia como screening de cáncer gástrico no parece en cambio ser útil en pacientes de menores de 60 años.

Background: The performance of upper digestive endoscopy as a first line study in patients with dyspepsia is highly controversial. Objectives: To investigate the frequency of organic diseases in dyspeptic patients referred from Primary Care centers or from Gastroenterology clinics for upper digestive endoscopy. Methods: The Endoscopy database of our unit was reviewed for the period 1999-2002. The endoscopic diagnosis of gastric cancer was confirmed by positive biopsies. Results: Out of 10.275 endoscopies performed in the study period, the reference diagnosis was: dyspepsia 1.488; ulcer syndrome 2.536 and gastroesophageal reflux 1.055. In the dyspepsia group, 33 percent of cases had some organic pathology, mainly gastritis and erosive esophagitis. The frequency of gastric cancer was low (0.1 percent) and it was found only in patients older than 40 years and specially older than 60 years. Similar results were found in patients referred for ulcer syndrome or gastroesophageal reflux. Conclusions: An upper digestive endoscopy in the initial work up of patients with dyspepsia seems to be acceptable one third of them present organic diseases with easy and effective therapies. On the other hand the irrestrictive acces to endoscopy as screening of gastric cancer does not seem to be useful in patients under 60 years.

[Relation between drinking water hardness and the incidence of esophageal and gastric cancers]

Esophageal and gastric cancers are among the most prevalent cancers in the world which cause a high mortality rate annually. Several risk factors are supposed for them. Water hardness is considered as a protective factor against above cancers. This ecologic study was designed to determine the correlation between water hardness and upper gastrointestinal cancers. In this ecological study data on water components in Golestan's urban areas were obtained during 2004-05 and the averages were reported. All cases of esophageal and gastric cancers resided in urban areas which were diagnosed during this period were recruited to estimate the incidence and age standardized rates [ASR]. The province was divided into low, intermediate and high incidence, based on 33% and 66% quartiles of both cancers. Pearson correlation coefficient test and regression model were used to analyze the data. The water hardness was in the normal standard range permitted for the drinking water, and did not have any relation with the risk of esophageal and gastric cancers. This study showed that water hardness has no effect on the incidence of esophageal and gastric cancer in this area

Pattern and incidence of cancer at El Obeid Hospital, Western Sudan

The growing population of elderly people, the changes in life style, the new dietary habits and the HIV pandemic resulted in more exposure to cancer promoting factors in developing countries, including Sudan. Sudan is a large country with different climatic regions and the population has wide diversity of ethnic groups with varying cultures. Nevertheless, the burden of cancer in the different regions of the country is unknown. To study the incidence rate and the pattern of cancer at El Obeid Teaching Hospital, Western Sudan. The records of all patients admitted with cancer to the wards of El Obeid Teaching Hospital, Western Sudan during 2006 and 2007 were studied. The cancers were classified according to the organs affected and then ranked in their order of relative frequency. The mean age, age range, gender, the incidence rates and the relative frequency rates were calculated. There were 111 new cancer patients in 2006 and 169 patients in 2007. Females were 52.9% of cases. The mean ages were 61.8 and 56.8 years for males and females respectively. Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract is the most common malignancy in both sexes, followed by breast and then cervical cancer in females; while it was followed by leukaemia in males. Hepatocellular, oesophageal, gastric and recto-sigmoid were the main gut cancers. Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract was the commonest malignancy at El Obeid Hospital, Western Sudan. Establishment of a local radiation and isotopes centre is needed in this part of the country to provide oncology services and integrate preventive programs. A regional cancer registry centre supplements the national efforts to evaluate the magnitude of the problem in order to plan further future strategies

Primary gastrointestinal malignancies in childhood and adolescence--an Asian perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Primary gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies are a rarity in childhood and adolescence, with limited information from Asian populations. This study was conducted with the objective of identifying the existence of malignant GI tumors in the young population of Pakistan and to determine high risk geographical areas of the country. METHODOLOGY: Pediatric and adolescence (<or=14 years; <or=19 years) gastrointestinal malignancies, ICD-10 categories C15-20 registered at the surgical pathology department of the Aga Khan University Hospital during 1st March 2004 to 30th April 2006 were included in the cross-sectional study. RESULTS: Sixty cases in <or=19 year age group were studied. The mean age was 16.2 years (SD+/-4.56). Carcinoma comprised 47 cases (78.3%; 32 boys and 15 girls.) and lymphoma 13 cases (21.7%; 12 boys and 1 girl). All cases presented as advanced malignancies. Categorization of carcinoma by site was colon (85.1%), stomach (6.4%) and esophagus (8.5%). Lymphoid malignancies were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (30.8%), Burkitt lymphoma (46.1%) and Burkitt-like lymphoma (23.1%). The mean age at presentation was 11.1 years (SD+/- 4.6). CONCLUSION: This study has identified a substantial number of GI malignancies in the <or=19 year Pakistani population, involvement of esophagus, male predominance, preponderance of carcinoma versus lymphoma and a high signet ring cell and mucinous colo-rectal carcinoma. It has identified Baluchistan as a high risk region for esophageal cancer and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and NWFP for Burkitt and Burkitt-like lymphoma. Most findings in the present study did not concur with published western data, indicating the need to study cancer in the Asian population.

Retrospective histopathological analysis of various neoplasms of different parts of the gastrointestinal tract seen at the Kathmandu University Teaching Hospital (KUTH), Dhulikhel, Nepal.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the spectrum of various histopathologic types of primary neoplasms of different parts of the gastrointestinal tract (oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colorectum, anal canal) seen at the Kathmandu University Teaching Hospital (KUTH), Dhulikhel as there exists a worldwide wide variation in the distribution of various neoplasms of different parts of the gastrointestinal tract, which appears largely due to exogenous factors rather than due to inherent differences between populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study. It was carried out at Kathmandu University Teaching Hospital (KUTH), Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal. All neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract seen at the KUTH during the period 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2004 were included in this study and examined by light microscope (LM). RESULTS: A total number of 18 cases of neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract were seen. Out of these, 3 (16.7%) were of the oesophagus (all squamous cell carcinoma), 10 (55.5%) were of the stomach (six intestinal type and four diffuse type), 2 (11.1%) were of the small intestine (one was lymphoma of the mucosa associated lymphoid tissue--MALTOMA and other was a malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumour--GIST), 3 (16.7%) were of the colorectum (all adenocarcinoma), and none was of the anal canal. CONCLUSION: Relatively large number of cases of the carcinoma of the stomach were found in our this small series of the cases of the gastrointestinal tract in comparison to the Western countries.