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"What do you say? Gastric cancer? How can it be! Ms. Wang's voice was so sharp that it almost punctured the eardrum on the other end of the phone. On the other end of the phone, the doctor's tone was calm but firm: "Yes, Ms. Wang, your gastroscopy results show that there are cancer cells in the stomach. We need to schedule further tests and treatments as soon as possible. ”
Ms. Wang's hand holding the phone trembled slightly, and her mind went blank. She had just heard from a friend that summer is the peak period for stomach cancer, and she should pay attention to some physical abnormalities, but she herself has not been significantly unwell recently.
"Doctor, I have only occasionally had a bad appetite recently, and I often feel bloated, is it because the weather has been hot recently, and I have eaten too many cold drinks?" Ms. Wang asked eagerly.
"Poor appetite and bloating are common symptoms of stomach cancer, but it doesn't mean it's stomach cancer. In the hot summer weather, many people are prone to indigestion, resulting in symptoms such as stomach bloating and stomach pain, which is not necessarily directly related to stomach cancer. The doctor patiently explained, "However, your condition needs further tests to be determined." ”
Ms. Wang hung up the phone, feeling uneasy. She remembered that she saw an article about stomach cancer on the Internet a few days ago, which mentioned that the early symptoms of stomach cancer are not obvious, and many patients are already in the middle and advanced stages when they are diagnosed, and they miss the best time for treatment. The article also lists three common abnormal symptoms of stomach cancer:
1. Persistent dyspepsia: Gastric cancer patients often have persistent dyspepsia, which is manifested by symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention, and the symptoms last for a long time, and it is difficult to relieve them with medication.
2. Stomach pain: Stomach pain in gastric cancer patients is often manifested as vague pain, dull pain or burning pain in the upper abdomen, the pain location is not fixed, and the pain degree gradually worsens, and even wakes up at night.
3. Anemia: Gastric cancer patients have symptoms of anemia due to the invasion of gastric mucosa by cancer cells, resulting in decreased gastric acid secretion and affecting the absorption of iron, manifested as paleness, fatigue, dizziness, etc.
Ms. Wang carefully recalled that she did often feel poor appetite recently, occasionally had stomach bloating and stomach pain, and she always felt tired and weak recently, and her face was much paler than before. Are these all signs of stomach cancer?
The more Ms. Wang thought about it, the more frightened she became, and she decided to go to the hospital immediately for further examination.
In the waiting room of the hospital, Ms. Wang met Mr. Li, who had also come for a gastroscopy. Mr. Li is a construction worker who usually works very hard, often works overtime and stays up late, and eats irregularly. Recently, he also often felt stomach discomfort, stomach bloating, stomach pain, accompanied by acid reflux, belching and other symptoms, so he came to the hospital for examination.
"Mr. Li, how are you feeling lately?" Ms. Wang couldn't help but ask.
"Alas, don't mention it, my stomach has been uncomfortable lately, I feel no appetite for anything, and I often have stomach pain, which is really uncomfortable." Mr. Li said with a wry smile, "The doctor said that he was going to give me a gastroscopy, and I was a little scared. ”
"I also came for a gastroscopy, and I heard that summer is the high incidence period of stomach cancer, and I have some stomach discomfort recently, so I came to check it out." Ms. Wang said.
"Is summer a time of high incidence of stomach cancer? Why haven't I heard of it? Mr. Li asked suspiciously.
"It is said on the Internet that the weather is hot in summer, and people are easy to eat cold drinks, spicy and stimulating food, and they are easy to be cold, which leads to gastrointestinal disorders and is more likely to suffer from stomach cancer." Ms. Wang explained.
"So that's the case, it seems that you should pay attention to your diet in summer, and you can't eat and drink like you used to." Mr. Li suddenly realized.
"Yes, not only to control your diet, but also to pay attention to rest, maintain a good mood, and have regular physical examinations to prevent stomach cancer." Ms. Wang said.
The two chatted and chatted, and both felt a little nervous, after all, gastroscopy is a scary thing.
"I've heard that gastroscopy is painful and there is a possibility that there will be some complications." Mr. Li said worriedly.
"Yes, I've heard that gastroscopy is painful before, so I kept dragging it out and didn't get it done, and now I regret it." Ms. Wang said.
"Actually, now gastroscopy is very advanced, doctors will use anesthetics, patients have little to no feeling during the examination, and the incidence of complications is also very low." Mr. Li comforted.
"Really? Then I'm relieved. Ms. Wang breathed a sigh of relief. The two chatted while waiting for the number to be called.
Ms. Wang's number was finally called. She took a deep breath and followed the nurse into the exam room. The doctor conducted a detailed examination for Ms. Wang and patiently answered her questions.
"Ms. Wang, your gastroscopy results show that no cancer cells were found in your stomach, only mild gastritis, it is recommended that you pay attention to your diet, regular work and rest, and take some medications." The doctor said.
Ms. Wang's hanging heart finally relaxed, and she said to the doctor gratefully: "Thank you, doctor, you are really my life-saver!" ”
The results of Mr. Li's gastroscopy also came out, and the doctor told him that his stomach was only slightly inflamed and was fine.
Both Ms. Wang and Mr. Li breathed a sigh of relief that they could finally go home with peace of mind.
Walking out of the hospital, both Ms. Wang and Mr. Li felt extremely relaxed. They encourage each other to pay more attention to their diet and lifestyle habits, and to have regular medical check-ups to prevent diseases.
This experience made both Ms. Wang and Mr. Li deeply realize that summer is the high incidence period of stomach cancer, and it is necessary to be vigilant, pay attention to any abnormalities in the body, and seek medical attention in time to avoid missing the best time for treatment.
Relevant Medical Knowledge:
Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor, and the incidence is increasing year by year. The early symptoms of gastric cancer are not obvious, and many patients are already in the middle and advanced stages when they are diagnosed, and the best time for treatment is missed. Therefore, early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment are essential to improve the survival rate of gastric cancer patients.
Common symptoms of stomach cancer include:
Persistent dyspepsia: manifested as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, bloating and other symptoms, and the symptoms last for a long time, and it is difficult to relieve them with medication.
Stomach pain: Manifested as a vague, dull, or burning pain in the upper abdomen, the pain is not fixed in the area, and the pain gradually worsens, and even wakes up at night.
Anemia: manifested as paleness, fatigue, dizziness, etc.
Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss, especially if it is significant in the short term.
Hematemesis or melena: People with stomach cancer may experience hematemesis or melena due to cancer cells invading the stomach lining, causing gastric bleeding.
Abdominal mass: People with advanced stomach cancer may feel a mass in their abdomen.
Measures to prevent stomach cancer:
Maintain a good diet: Eat less pickled, smoked, fried and other foods, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, and avoid overeating.
Quit smoking and drinking: Smoking and alcohol consumption are important causes of stomach cancer.
Regular medical check-ups: Regular gastroscopy can detect stomach cancer early.
Maintain a good mood: Negative emotions such as excessive stress and depression can also increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Disclaimer: This article is for reference only, and the medical knowledge described is true and well-founded, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any health problems, please consult a doctor or other
Bibliography:
[Gastric Cancer Committee of Chinese Anti-Cancer Association. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer (2020 edition)[J]. Chinese Journal of Oncology, 2020, 42(11): 825-838. (https://www.cnki.net/kcms/detail/11.2127.TS.20201120.1645.004.html)
[Chinese Society of Digestive Endoscopy. Gastroscopy Practice Specifications (2018 Edition)[J]. Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy, 2018, 35(10): 771-778. (https://www.cnki.net/kcms/detail/11.2127.TS.20181027.1744.004.html)
[Chinese Society of Gastroenterology. Prevention and early diagnosis of gastric cancer[J]. Chinese Journal of Digestion, 2019, 39(1): 1-5. (https://www.cnki.net/kcms/detail/11.2127.TS.20190124.1429.004.html)