Aim:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of initial symptoms on the prognosis in patients with stomach cancer.

Methods:

The study was carried out first retrospectively reviewing the records of patients with stomach cancer treated and followed up in Hamidiye Şişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital Medical Oncology Clinic. Patients with stomach cancer admitted to our clinic from 2005 to 2014, followed up routinely, and with known final statuses were included in the present study. Initial symptoms of the patients were recorded, and the main symptom was identified in patients with multiple symptoms. Furthermore, demographic, clinical and pathological features of the patients were recorded, and survival analyses were performed based on the symptoms.

Results:

One hundred twenty nine stomach cancer cases were evaluated in the study. The median age was found to be 64 years. 69% of patients (n=89) were male and 31% (n=40) were female. The median survival was found to be 24.43 months (19.66-29.20). The initial complaint in 47% of patients (n=57) was dyspeptic problems, and in 39% (n=37) it was detected to be weight lose. While median survival was 7.57 months in patients complaining of weight loss, it was 26.19 months and 14 months in patients suffering from vomiting and bleeding, and in those with dyspepsia, respectively.

Conclusion:

Initial symptoms are directly correlated with survival in patients with stomach cancer. In our study, weight loss was the most significant prognostic symptom. If a patient complains of weight loss, the symptom should be taken into due consideration and prompt diagnostic interventions should be performed.

Keywords: Stomach cancer, symptom, prognosis, survival