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.
Related Questions
Experiencing Heart Palpitations Following Chest Impact
I'm a 17-year-old female who has struggled with tachycardia for several years, having been diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) about five years ago, although I haven't pursued further testing because I haven't completely lost consciousness. Recently, over the past month or two, I've started to experience sensations of my heart skipping beats, accompanied by difficulty in breathing during these episodes. These occurrences have become significantly more frequent, even when I'm at rest. Five years ago, I underwent a Holter monitor test, which indicated primarily tachycardia with occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), but nothing alarming was found. In early December, I was struck hard in the chest by an elbow while in a mosh pit, which resulted in some pain when taking deep breaths for a few days. My sternum became bruised and slightly swollen, and it remained tender to touch for about two weeks, but this discomfort was manageable. I still feel some soreness when stretching, although it’s not severe. Additionally, I have diagnoses of Crohn’s disease and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS), and I am currently on immunosuppressants. Given these circumstances, would it be advisable for me to seek medical evaluation, or could these symptoms be considered typical?
Understanding My Experiences with Dissociation and Physical Symptoms
Hello everyone! I'm 15 years old and I’ve been grappling with intense feelings of dissociation recently. About two years back, I experienced what I now refer to as a "silent seizure" for the first time. It happened around 2 PM while I was at school in the band hall. Suddenly, I found myself zoning out completely; I was just sitting there, disassociated from reality, until it dawned on me that I couldn’t seem to reconnect with my surroundings. Feeling lost, I turned to a friend and anxiously asked, "Where am I?" She chuckled, unaware of the seriousness of my situation, but I stood up and wandered out of the classroom, aimlessly walking towards the bathrooms. The sensation was akin to being in a dream—you know you’re somewhere, yet you can’t fully engage with the moment for what felt like 5 to 10 minutes. Strangely, I even had the feeling of observing myself from above as I moved through the halls, like a scene from a dream. In a state of panic, I contacted my mom. By the time I managed to leave school, my mind was clearing. She took me to her workplace where a colleague checked my blood sugar levels, revealing it was low. I had eaten that day, so this was unexpected (especially since my mother also faces issues with low blood sugar). This occurrence was unprecedented for me; thankfully, I haven’t faced such low levels since then. In the following weeks, I experienced intermittent dissociative episodes, prompting me to visit a doctor. I underwent blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and a routine examination. Everything appeared normal, except I was diagnosed with anemia—something my mother and sister also deal with. I walked away from that appointment without any real explanations, and after a while, the episodes subsided—thankfully, a relief. FAST FORWARD TO NOW: (15 years old) (Potentially relevant context) Recently, I’ve been enduring severe heart and chest discomfort. I’ve been noticing irregular heartbeats, sporadic strong pulsations, and sharp pain localized in my heart region and upper right chest. Lying on my side can be quite painful, and sometimes I struggle to take deep breaths. I make it a priority to get a full eight hours of sleep each night, I take daily vitamins, and I’m actively involved in competitive cheerleading, maintaining a healthy fitness level for my height and weight. We sought medical advice again, underwent numerous tests, and, once more, everything checked out fine. My heart was deemed healthy, and all other measurements were satisfactory. Initially, we suspected anxiety might be a factor, but my mom is hesitant to consider antidepressants, believing that my age may limit treatment options. She has recommended that I hydrate more and practice breathing exercises (which is somewhat ironic since I struggle to breathe when these pains occur, yet I don’t argue). UPDATE: During practice today, I unexpectedly experienced my first "silent seizure" episode in two years. It was more disconcerting than I recalled. I lost track of my location again and couldn’t re-engage with reality. It felt as if I was observing those around me from a dream-like vantage point. This realization frightened me, thinking that I had moved past these episodes. It took about ten minutes for me to regain my awareness of my environment. Additionally, this week, I noticed moments of dissociation, albeit not as intense as previous episodes. I found myself vacantly staring, and my vision felt oddly lazy, frequently. It's worth noting that I do not have a lazy eye. I plan to document these occurrences meticulously, and if they persist, I will consult my doctor again. Meanwhile, if anyone has suggestions about what might be happening to me, I would greatly appreciate it. Is this potentially linked to anxiety? I’m genuinely confused about my condition!
Identifying a Mysterious Brown Circle on My Scalp
Age: 21 Gender: Female Height: 5'4" Weight: 175 lbs Ethnicity: White (Scottish/Irish) Location: California Current Medication: Testosterone injection administered subcutaneously in the thigh While I was having my hair dyed blue, my girlfriend noticed a perfectly circular brown mark on my scalp. It resembles a circle that appears to have been made with a brown marker. The size of the ring is similar to my thumb’s tip and contrasts sharply with the lighter shade of my scalp. There is no evidence of hair thinning or loss around this circle; we only discovered it because we were parting my hair. I’m curious if this could be connected to the brain fog or headaches I’ve been experiencing lately. I looked online, and while ringworm was suggested, it doesn’t match my symptoms since there are no bald patches or flaky skin. I’m open to answering any additional questions to help clarify this situation, as it's causing me some concern.
Should I Seek Medical Attention for a Possible Spinal Injury?
Greetings! I’m a 20-year-old male, and while I’m not overly anxious about my situation, I've been experiencing enough discomfort to consider it. Three days prior, I went snowboarding and attempted to navigate a box, which is essentially a flat metal structure with a slight ramp at the end. Unfortunately, I lost my balance close to the end of the box and landed squarely on my backside. This caused my back and head to make hard contact with the ground. At first, I didn’t perceive much pain in my back or head; instead, the primary source of pain seemed to be my rear, which felt as if it had developed a noticeable lump. However, I dismissed it at the time. The following day, the soreness persisted, alongside generalized discomfort throughout my upper body. Every time I coughed, I felt pain that radiated from my neck down to my abdomen, which was tender to the touch. I asked my girlfriend to check for any visible injuries, and although my butt showed no bruising, I did notice around five bruises along my spine. I’m questioning whether I should consult a physician. I usually avoid going to the doctor unless absolutely necessary, having only visited twice in the last four years (excluding vaccinations during my teenage years). I tend to prefer toughing things out to save on medical expenses, but if the situation warrants it, I wouldn’t hesitate to seek help as I did last year for an ear infection. What do you think – should I consider getting checked out?
Seeking Insight on Abnormal Neuroimaging Results
A 42-year-old female, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 194 pounds, has been grappling with cognitive challenges for over three years. She has a clinical history that includes a diagnosis of Bipolar II disorder coupled with generalized anxiety, which she manages effectively through a regimen of an antidepressant, a mood stabilizer, and medications for anxiety. Currently, she is under the care of her fifth neurologist in the Boston region. An FDG-PET scan revealed a significant decline in metabolic functions, showing a 30-40% reduction within the left parietal lobe and a 20% decrease in both mesial temporal lobes. As part of her evaluation, a lumbar puncture was performed to assess amyloid and tau protein levels, with results coming back negative. Although a radiologist recommended pursuing an amyloid PET scan to gain further insights, her neurologist has declined this option. Despite the neurologist's suggestion that her indications might fit into the Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) category, she remains unconvinced and believes there must be an identifiable underlying cause for her symptoms and the irregularities observed in her scans. She is seeking advice on the next steps to take in pursuing a clearer diagnosis or understanding of her condition.