RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Gastric carcinoma is usually characterized with significant morbidity and mortality mainly because of late presentation. Late presentation of gastric carcinoma is a prominent feature in developing and poor countries. AIM OF STUDY: The purpose of this study is to present our experience with the pattern and outcome of gastric tumors at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria; with emphasis on late presentation of the patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The case files of the patients that were managed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for gastric tumors over a 5-year period (January 2004 to December 2006) were analyzed for biodata, symptoms and signs of disease, findings at operation, treatment offered, and outcome of treatment. RESULTS: The male/female ratio was 2.3:1, with the youngest patient being 38 years while the oldest patient was 76 years old. Upper abdominal pain and a palpable mass per abdomen were the commonest symptoms and signs, respectively. Alcohol ingestion was the commonest identifiable risk factor. Only 30.4% of the patients presented within a year of the onset of symptoms. The gastric antrum was affected in over 78% of the cases, and adenocarcinoma was found in about 90% of the patients. Partial gastrectomy with gastrojejunostomy was the commonest procedure carried out. The mortality rate was 39.1%, and of the patients that died, 66.7% occurred within a year from time of diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Most of the cases of gastric carcinoma presented in this study presented late with associated significant mortality. Health education is advised with a view to encouraging early presentation.
