Gastrointestinal tumors are one of the common malignancies, and early detection and treatment are essential to improve cure rates and survival rates. Therefore, mastering the screening method for early cancer of the digestive tract is of great significance for the health of each of us. In this episode, we will talk about this topic.
Topic of this issue: Recommendations for screening for early cancer of the digestive tract
What is early cancer of the digestive tract
Early gastrointestinal cancer refers to gastrointestinal tumors that do not penetrate more than the submucosa or are confined to the mucosal layer, including early esophageal cancer, early gastric cancer, and early colorectal cancer. Specifically, early esophageal cancer refers to esophageal cancer with deep infiltration into the mucosal layer without lymph node metastasis, early gastric cancer refers to tumor invasion confined to the mucosa or submucosa, regardless of the size of the lesion and lymph node metastasis, and early colorectal cancer refers to cancerous tissue confined to the mucosal layer and submucosa, regardless of lymph node metastasis.
Symptoms of early esophageal cancer
Swallowing a foreign body: When swallowing food, you may feel a foreign body stuck in your throat or chest.
Difficulty swallowing: As the tumor grows, it can lead to a narrowing of the esophagus, making swallowing difficult.
Chest pain or discomfort: Early esophageal cancer can cause chest pain or discomfort, especially when swallowing.
Symptoms of early stomach cancer
Epigastric pain or discomfort: Stomach tumors can cause pain, discomfort, or a feeling of gas in the upper abdomen.
Loss of appetite: People may lose interest in food and experience loss of appetite.
Nausea and vomiting: Stomach tumors can cause symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
Symptoms of early intestinal cancer
Changes in bowel habits: Early intestinal cancer can lead to changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea.
Blood in the stool: Sometimes blood may appear during bowel movements, because intestinal tumors can trigger intestinal bleeding.
Abdominal discomfort or pain: Intestinal tumors can cause abdominal discomfort or pain, especially during bowel movements.
Symptoms are not specific
It is important to note that these symptoms are not specific and may be associated with other conditions. If one or more of the above symptoms occur, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly and consult a medical professional for further evaluation and diagnosis.
In addition, early cancer of the digestive tract may have no obvious symptoms in the early stages, so regular physical examinations and screenings are essential for early detection and treatment. For high-risk groups (such as family history, long-term smoking and drinking, chronic gastrointestinal diseases, etc.), it is recommended to have regular check-ups for early detection of potential problems.
Screening for early cancer of the digestive tract
Key populations
People over 40 years old: The risk of digestive tract cancer increases with age, so it is recommended that people over the age of 40 have regular screening for early gastrointestinal cancer.
People with a family history of gastrointestinal cancers: People with a family history of gastrointestinal cancers have a higher risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers and should be screened.
People with irregular lifestyles, high work pressure, chronic heavy alcohol consumption and smoking: These unhealthy lifestyle habits and environmental factors may increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers, so screening is recommended for these people.
Patients with symptoms such as recurrent epigastric discomfort, sudden weight loss, melena, or anemia: these symptoms may be an early manifestation of gastrointestinal cancer and should be screened promptly.
People with gastrointestinal diseases such as gastric polyps, atrophic gastritis, gastric ulcers, intestinal metaplasia, etc.: these diseases may increase the risk of cancers of the digestive tract, and patients need to be screened regularly for early detection of abnormalities.
In addition, people who have been eating unhealthy foods such as high salt, fat, and red meat for a long time should also consider screening for early cancer of the digestive tract, as these eating habits may increase the risk of disease.
Disclaimer
This article aims to popularize health science, to help you understand diseases and medications, the content of popular science can not replace the doctor's diagnosis and treatment opinions, for reference only, if you have related health problems, please consult a doctor in time.
Introduced by the doctor
Zheng Xiaoling
Chief Physician, Associate Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, Doctor of Medicine, Deputy Director of the Center for Gastrointestinal Medicine, Deputy Director of the Center for Digestive Endoscopy, Academic Positions: Member of the Youth Committee of the Digestive Endoscopy Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Vice Chairman of the Gastrointestinal Tumor Prevention Committee of the Fujian Medical Association, Vice Chairman of the Digestive Endoscopy Branch of the Fujian Medical Association, Vice President of the Digestive Endoscopy Branch of the Fujian Strait Medical and Health Exchange Association, Vice Chairman of the Tumor Endoscopy Professional Committee of the Fujian Anti-Cancer Association; 。 He has profound achievements in endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of early cancer of the digestive tract, submucosal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, and digestive tract motility disorders including achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, etc.
Introduced by the doctor
Chen Yangyang
Attending physician of the Digestive Endoscopy Center of Fujian Provincial Hospital, Ph.D., has been engaged in digestive endoscopy diagnosis and treatment for a long time, specializing in gastrointestinal endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound endoscopy, polypectomy treatment, endoscopic evaluation and treatment of submucosal tumors, early diagnosis and early treatment of digestive tract tumors, etc. He is the vice chairman of the Digestive Endoscopy Youth Committee of Fujian Medical Association, a member and secretary of the Esophageal Disease Group of Fujian Digestive Endoscopy Branch, a member of the Ultrasound Group of Fujian Digestive Endoscopy Branch, a member of the Minimally Invasive Interventional Group of Fujian Digestive Disease Branch, a member of the Digestive Endoscopy Youth Committee of Fujian Haiyi Association, and a member and secretary of the Fujian Esophageal Cancer Early Diagnosis and Early Treatment Promotion Alliance.