Clinicodemographic and Risk Factor Profile of Patients with Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: Gastric adenocarcinoma is the fifth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with Helicobacter pylori infection, tobacco use, and dietary factors as major contributors. In Bangladesh, comprehensive regional data on gastric cancer remain limited, particularly in the northeastern Sylhet region. Understanding these local characteristics is essential for developing targeted screening programs and public health interventions. Objective of this study: To delineate the clinicodemographic and risk-factor profile of patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods & Materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet, from July 2011 to June 2012. A total of 56 histopathologically confirmed cases of gastric adenocarcinoma were enrolled. Specimens were processed, stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, and classified according to the Lauren classification. Demographic data, tumor location, histological subtypes, risk factors, and clinical presentations were recorded and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma was the predominant type (64.3%), followed by the diffuse type (30.4%). Intestinal-type tumors were more common in older males, while diffuse-type tumors presented at a younger age (mean 45.8 years) with balanced gender distribution. H. pylori infection was the most prevalent risk factor (66.1%), followed by tobacco use (58.9%) and dietary factors (50.0%). H. pylori and dietary factors were more strongly associated with intestinal-type (75.0% and 61.1%) than diffuse-type tumors (47.1% and 29.4%). The most common presenting symptoms were epigastric pain (82.1%) and anorexia with weight loss (71.4%). Conclusion: Gastric adenocarcinoma in Sylhet predominantly affects older males with distal tumors and intestinal-type histology. H. pylori infection, tobacco use, and dietary factors are prevalent modifiable risk factors, highlighting the urgent need for primary prevention and early detection programs in Bangladesh.