Gastric cancer for young adults: Case series of three cases

• Published in: International journal of surgery case reports Vol. 110; p. 108758
• Main Authors: Mangaza, Amisi, Josué, Bwemere Mungwete, Gloire, Byabene, Ganywamulume, Balagizi, Justin, Mongwa, Désiré, Alumeti Munyali
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-09-2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adenocarcinoma; Case Series; Democratic Republic of Congo; Endoscopic biopsy; Gastric cancer; Young people; Adenocarcinoma; Young people; Endoscopic biopsy; Gastric cancer; Democratic Republic of Congo
• ISSN: 2210-2612; 2210-2612
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108758

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common malignant tumor in the world. It is considered to be the second most common cause of cancer-related death. It is still described as the preserve of people aged over 50. However, it is rarely described in young people. In this study, we report three cases of gastric cancer for subjects under 35 years of age.
The study was a retrospective single-center non-consecutive case series.
We report three cases of gastric cancer for young people under 35 years old. The consultation reason was chronic pain with a mean evolution of 2.1 years associated with post prandial vomiting. Clinical, biological and prognostic aspects were evaluated. Biopsies in all these patients were consistent with a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. The mean age was 28.3 years, with males predominating.
Gastric cancer is generally considered to be a pathology of the elderly, but it can also occur in younger patients. Late consultation for treatment leads to late-stage diagnosis and a poorer prognosis.
•Gastric cancer is considered to be a cancer of the elderly. Its occurrence in young people is rare and its prognosis is poor.•The contribution of endoscopy with biopsy is crucial in the diagnosis.•This report invites clinicians to consider the problem on a case-by-case basis, as prognosis depends on time of discovery.