Secondary prevention of gastric cancer in a risk-group
Hamann, P.
Archiv für Geschwulstforschung 48(6): 569-590
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-911X PMID: 252423 Document Number: 127207
More than 6000 persons were examined by the tubeless gastric acid test using the Desmoidpille and by determination of uropepsin. About 1000 probands demonstrated decreased or lacking acid secretion and diminished uropepsin excretion. These were recognized as risk group and taken into regular supervision using X-ray examination followed by fibergastroscopy when indicated. Ten cases of gastric cancer were detected in the risk group, 5 in a localized stage of extension, 1 of them a true early cancer. In 164 patients chronic gastric ulcers, solitary polypoid lesions, chronic atrophic gastritis or gastrectomy for ulcer in the patient's history were found. These patients belong to a high risk group. Except for the previous gastrectomy grown (39 patients), the high risk state was detected by preventive examination and not known before. Ten patients were operated on for benign lesions (gastric or duodenal ulcer) which were found by prophylactic examination. Of 973 outpatients (decreased acid or uropepsin production), only 610 (62.7%) demonstrated no pathological findings. In 5000 probands without risk signs (normal acid test, normal uropepsin excretion, no gastric complaints) no gastric cancer was observed during follow-up. This is a preliminary report unable to draw definite conclusions regarding cost and benefit of this method for gastric cancer screening. Only after observation of the whole risk group for several years can final conclusions be given. Tubeless gastric acid test should be included in the examination of some groups of patients, e.g., geriatric care.