Understanding Gastric Cancer Determination Post-Mortem
Greetings everyone, I hope you can assist me with some insights regarding the diagnosis of gastric cancer made solely through CT imaging. My father, aged 72, passed away in June due to a gastrointestinal hemorrhage resulting from a gastric outlet obstruction. This obstruction, along with an associated mass, was identified on a CT scan just two hours prior to his death. Given the findings from the scan, an autopsy was deemed unnecessary, and his death certificate categorized the cause of death as follows: 1. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage 2. Gastric outlet obstruction 3. Gastric cancer Interestingly, my father had not received a cancer diagnosis prior to his passing, which led me to question how they could attribute this diagnosis without a biopsy. Just a week before he died, he experienced difficulties during an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) due to an excess of stomach contents despite having fasted beforehand. He was scheduled for a follow-up OGD with an extended fasting period when his condition suddenly deteriorated. At the time of his death, he stood around six feet tall and weighed approximately 260 pounds. He began smoking at the age of 14 and continued until he was 56. His medical history included treatment for hypertension and atrial fibrillation, during which he was prescribed Rivaroxaban, as well as medication for reflux issues. As a nurse specializing in oncology, I possess a reasonable understanding of how cancer presents; however, I’m not as knowledgeable about the specifics of radiology, particularly in identifying cancerous features on a CT scan. This personal experience has certainly altered my perspective. Ultimately, while the diagnosis does not alter the outcome, understanding it is important for our family’s health history moving forward. Any insights or information you could share would be greatly valued. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. This occurred in England.
Answers (1)
8/9/2025, 1:10:58 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your father’s passing, and I understand your desire to clarify the circumstances surrounding his diagnosis of gastric cancer. It’s completely normal to have questions about the medical processes that led to this conclusion, especially given your background in oncology.
Key Points:
- Diagnosis from Imaging: Gastric cancer can sometimes be suspected based on imaging studies like CT scans, especially when there are clear signs such as masses, obstructions, or other indicators typically associated with malignant growths.
- Role of Autopsy and Biopsy: While imaging can provide critical information, a definitive diagnosis of cancer often requires histological evidence from a biopsy. An autopsy can also confirm diagnosis post-mortem and provide additional insights, but it is not always conducted in cases where the medical team is confident in the diagnosis based on clinical and imaging findings.
- Relevance for Family Health History: Understanding your father's condition can be beneficial for assessing hereditary cancer risks for family members.
Explanation:
CT scans are valuable in oncology for identifying abnormalities, such as masses indicative of cancer. Features such as irregular borders, structural changes, or involvement with surrounding tissues might lead radiologists and oncologists to suspect malignancy. In acute cases, especially when a patient's condition is deteriorating rapidly, clinical signs and imaging can sometimes prompt a decision to avoid further invasive procedures like biopsy if the anticipated outcome is clear.
It's understandable to feel unsettled about a diagnosis made without a biopsy. However, clinicians weigh several factors, including the patient's overall condition and any signs of advanced disease, when determining a cause of death.
Next Steps:
- Review Imaging Results: If you have access to the CT scan reports, discuss them with a radiologist or a physician who can explain the specific findings and their implications.
- Family Medical History: Consider discussing your father’s case with a genetic counselor or a healthcare provider who specializes in familial cancer syndromes, especially if there are other concerning health issues in your family.
- Seek Additional Support: Sharing your thoughts and feelings with family, friends, or support groups can provide comfort and understanding during this time.
Your inquiries demonstrate a commendable commitment to understanding your father's health and its impact on your family's history. If there's anything else I can help clarify, please feel free to ask.
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