Keywords
hematemesis
gastrointestinal endoscopy
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: Gastric carcinoma, while most common in the 50-70 age group [2], is an infrequent occurrence under the age of 30. This rarity should not lead to complacency, as it can still occur, and when it does, it tends to grow rapidly and steadily to reach higher levels in older age groups [3]. There are two subtypes of adenocarcinoma arising from the gastric mucosa: intestinal and diffuse, based on Lauren (1965) criteria.
The patient, a 22-year-old male, presented with symptoms of fatigue, dysphagia associated with solid food, anorexia, and weight loss (about 10 kg for the last 3 months). During this period, he received symptomatic medication but without any medical visits.
Clinical examination revealed pale skin with decreased turgor, and in the abdomen, a tangible mass was found, easily palpable; other quadrants of the abdomen were loose.
Conclusion: Whenever symptoms of dysphagia, loss of appetite, and hematemesis appear, it's not enough to just treat the symptoms. Further investigations should be conducted, as early diagnosis of a gastric tumor in this group plays a crucial role in determining the prognosis.
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