On August 1, a representative of Quang Ninh General Hospital said that the patient's esophageal and gastric endoscopy showed a discolored mucosal mass, about 6 cm long, with a stomach ulcer. The endoscope doctor removed the lesion, preserving the esophagus (the digestive tract that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach).

Dr. Nguyen Van Vinh, Department of Functional Exploration, said that this patient had a rather special esophageal injury that could progress to cancer and metastasize to nearby organs if not detected early and treated promptly. At that time, the treatment opportunity would be difficult, the patient would face many risks, and may have to undergo major surgery to remove the esophagus.

The esophagus has a thin muscular wall. According to the doctor, the technique of cutting and separating lesions in this area is difficult to perform and is more prone to complications than in the stomach and colon. The lesions in this patient spread almost completely around the circumference of the esophagus, requiring careful, meticulous and precise intervention in each operation to avoid esophageal perforation.

Gastrointestinal cancer accounts for 30% of all cancers, and the incidence is increasing. According to Globocan 2020, Vietnam recorded more than 3,200 new cases of esophageal cancer and more than 3,000 deaths. The disease occurs many times more often in men than in women.

Doctors recommend that the earlier the disease is detected, the more effective the treatment will be. Patients should pay attention to any unusual signs in their body to go to the hospital for timely examination.

Thuy Quynh