Gastric cancer in Jordan
Telfah, A.M.; Karadsheh, M.F.; Karadsheh, R.F.
Saudi Medical Journal 20(5): 356-358
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0379-5284 PMID: 27631286 Document Number: 503876
Objectives: Studies regarding the patterns of tumors in Arabs have been under great scrutiny recently. Many investigators examined these patterns in different areas of the same country or a small area of the country. In Jordan, and with the establishment of a national cancer Registry, the natural history of tumors in Jordanians will be known. As a prototype of these tumors stomach cancer will be discussed, and its pattern will be described. Methods: A retrospective review of all the cases registered as stomach cancer at Al-Basheer Hospital, a tertiary referral center from all parts of Jordan. Analysis was done for the years 1993-1996, recording age, sex, histologic type and method of diagnosis. Limitations of the study will be discussed. Results: A total of 78 cases were diagnosed, with a mean of 19.5 cases per year. There was almost doubling of the register over the years (from 16 to 28 cases). The male to female ratio was 1.9:1 (51:27). The age of diagnosis was 50-60 years in 50% ofthe cases. The diagnosis is through endoscopy in all the cases, confirmed by surgery in 26. Histology was adenocarcinoma unspecified in 52 cases, poorly differentiated in 12 cases, 3 cases of well differentiated and 3 cases of moderately differentiated; there were 3 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 3 mucinous carcinoma and 2 cases of lymphoma. Conclusion: This pattern of disease is different from other areas in the Middle East, and reflects increased awareness of the disease in the general population and doctors. Further nationwide studies are awaited.