Clinical Presentation, Diagnostic Challenges and Treatment Outcomes of Gastric Carcinoma: A Prospective Observational Study of 50 Cases at Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Gastric carcinoma remains a major global health problem and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. In developing countries, including Bangladesh, delayed presentation, limited screening facilities and diagnostic challenges frequently result in advanced-stage disease at diagnosis. Early recognition of suspicious symptoms and timely endoscopic evaluation are essential for improving outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, treatment modalities and outcomes of patients with gastric carcinoma admitted to Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital (SSMC & MH), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: This hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted among 50 consecutive patients with histopathologically confirmed gastric carcinoma admitted to the Department of Surgery, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Patients were evaluated regarding demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, duration of illness, diagnostic procedures, tumor stage, histopathological findings, treatment modalities and clinical outcomes. Diagnostic delay was assessed based on the interval between symptom onset and histological confirmation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The mean age of the patients was 58.6 ± 11.2 years, with a male predominance (70%). The most common presenting symptoms were weight loss (84%), epigastric pain (78%), anorexia (70%) and vomiting (56%). Sixty-four percent of patients presented after more than three months of symptom onset. Most patients (68%) had advanced disease (Stage III–IV) at diagnosis. Endoscopic biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma in 92% of cases. The main causes of diagnostic delay were nonspecific symptoms (60%) and delayed referral (46%). Curative gastrectomy was possible in 38% of patients, while 62% required palliative treatment. Postoperative complications occurred in 28% of operated patients and overall in-hospital mortality was 10%. Twelve-month survival was higher among patients receiving curative treatment compared with palliative treatment. Conclusion: Gastric carcinoma in Bangladesh frequently presents at an advanced stage because of delayed diagnosis and limited early detection facilities. Early endoscopic assessment of persistent dyspeptic symptoms, improved referral systems and increased awareness may contribute to better clinical outcomes.
Institutions: University of Dhaka, BRAC University
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7203743339