Data from the National Cancer Center shows that the incidence of digestive tract tumors such as gastric cancer and colorectal cancer ranks among the top five in China, and about 70% of patients are diagnosed at the middle or advanced stage. How can gastrointestinal tumors be detected as early as possible?
Guo Liangliang, deputy director of the Gastroenterology Department of Hainan Cancer Hospital, said that gastroscopy and colonoscopy are the most effective methods for detecting early-stage tumors and precancerous lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, and can be regarded as the "Demon-Exposing Mirror" for digestive tract health.
Gastrointestinal endoscopy: The "Demon-Exposing Mirror" for Digestive Tract Health
Gastrointestinal endoscopy uses high-definition cameras to reach the esophagus, stomach, colon and other areas, allowing for a clear observation of mucosal lesions and the detection of minor inflammation, polyps, tumors and other issues. It can also perform biopsies on suspicious tissues simultaneously to determine their nature.
Clinical data shows that early-stage digestive tract tumors often have no symptoms. When typical symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloody stool and weight loss occur, the disease has often progressed to the middle or late stage, significantly increasing the difficulty of treatment and reducing the prognosis. However, gastroscopy and colonoscopy can detect these "invisible killers" at an early stage, significantly improving the cure rate and survival rate.
After the age of 40: It is recommended to have a gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
The development of digestive tract tumors is often a prolonged process, and it usually takes many years for precancerous lesions to progress to advanced stages. However, if detected early, complete cure can be achieved through endoscopic resection; but once the disease progresses to the advanced stage, the treatment difficulty will increase significantly and the treatment cost will also rise sharply.
So, which groups of people should pay attention to gastroscopy and colonoscopy? Dr. Guo Liangliang said that for people over 40 years old, due to the gradual aging of the digestive tract mucosa and the decline in repair ability, the incidence of precancerous lesions such as digestive tract polyps and inflammation will increase significantly. Therefore, even if there are no symptoms, people over 40 years old are advised to have regular gastroscopy and colonoscopy - this is because the early symptoms of digestive tract tumors are very hidden, and many people have problems found during the examination without any symptoms.
Especially the following high-risk groups need to be more vigilant and are advised to undergo screening in advance or increase the frequency of check-ups:
Those with a family history of digestive tract tumors;
Those who have suffered from chronic digestive tract diseases such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, and colitis for a long time;
Those who have long-term habits of smoking and drinking, or who have irregular eating habits.
Remember these taboos before the check-up.
Dietary control: Avoid high-fiber foods (such as vegetables, fruits, and coarse grains) 1-2 days before the examination. Choose easily digestible liquid or semi-liquid foods like porridge and noodles.
Intestinal preparation: On the night before the examination, take laxatives as prescribed by the doctor, drink plenty of water to promote defecation, and ensure intestinal cleanliness (the degree of intestinal cleanliness directly affects the accuracy of the examination).
Medication management: Inform your doctor in advance of any anticoagulants, antihypertensive drugs, etc. that you are currently taking, so that the doctor can determine whether to discontinue the medication or adjust the dosage.
Fasting requirements: Do not eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours before the examination to maintain an empty stomach.
Accompanying requirements: It is recommended that someone accompany you on the day of the examination to ensure a safe return after the operation.
Expert Introduction
Guo Liangliang
Associate Chief Physician of Gastroenterology Department
Medical expertise
Proficient in clinical and endoscopic treatment of digestive system diseases, such as: gastroscopy and colonoscopy, endoscopic removal of polyps and tumors, endoscopic treatment of varicose veins, endoscopic removal of bile duct stones or stent placement; also skilled in prevention and treatment of hepatitis B, prevention and treatment of liver cirrhosis and its complications, prevention of liver cancer and vascular interventional therapy.
Article | Huang Fei