Mr. Pham Tan Loi, an 88-year-old man, was experiencing constipation and difficulty defecating. After a thorough examination, he was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer. However, unlike typical symptoms of stomach cancer, Mr. Loi did not exhibit any abnormalities in his eating habits or weight loss.
Underlying medical conditions like coronary artery stenosis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and lipid disorders made the situation even more complex for Dr. Nguyen Quoc Thai, Head of the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. A CT scan revealed a massive tumor in Mr. Loi’s stomach that had invaded his left liver and caused anemia.
The surgery to remove the tumor was necessary to prevent severe complications like bleeding, pyloric stenosis, gastric perforation and peritonitis. Despite the risks involved in significant surgery for elderly patients like Mr. Loi, it was the best option available to improve his quality of life and prevent potential health issues in the future.
Dr. Thai successfully performed the surgery by removing part of the liver invaded by the tumor, most of the stomach and surrounding lymph nodes. The patient experienced a smooth recovery after three days of consuming liquids and engaging in physical therapy before being discharged from the hospital a week later. He continues to take medication to manage his existing medical conditions but is grateful for Dr. Thai’s expertise in saving his life through surgery.
The late-stage discovery of Mr. Loi’s cancer limited its effectiveness in eradicating it entirely; however, elderly patients like him may find it challenging to undergo multiple treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy following surgery.
Dr. Thai emphasized that early detection through procedures such as endoscopy with biopsy is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of stomach tumors causing bleeding like Mr. Loi’s case.
It is essential not to neglect vague symptoms associated with diseases like stomach cancer as regular screenings and prompt medical attention can significantly impact outcomes for patients over 45 years old or those at higher risk.
In conclusion, Mr. Pham Tan Loi’s experience serves as a reminder that early detection and prompt treatment are critical when dealing with serious medical conditions like stage 4 stomach cancer
