First endoscopy at age 72 discovers precancerous lesions
The case of Mr. N.V.T. (72 years old, Ninh Binh) was lucky to be detected in time during the first endoscopy according to the advice of his children and grandchildren.
I can still eat and drink, so I think I am healthy," Mr. N.V.T. shared. Previously, he had never had a stomach endoscopy; symptoms of bloating, post-eating weight loss or epigastric discomfort were all thought to be due to age. Only when his children encouraged him to go for an examination did he perform an endoscopy. The results showed dysplasia in the gastric cavity - a form of precancerous lesion that needs to be monitored periodically.
According to digestive experts, dysplasia is not cancer but is an abnormal sign of gastric mucosa cells, which may be in the cancer progression chain if not controlled. Notably, this lesion is usually silent, with few specific symptoms and is only detected by endoscopy.
Early detection technology changes at the cellular level
After recording the lesion, doctors continued to use the Endocyto 520x ultrascopic system to further assess the characteristics of the stomach lining. The technology allows image observation at an oversized level of up to 520 times, supporting surveying the structure of the gland, microcircuit system and cell morphology right during the endoscopy. The system integrates advanced imaging technology such as TXI, EDOF, NBI, RDI and artificial intelligence, enhancing the ability to detect abnormal lining areas.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Masashi Misawa, Associate Professor of North Yokohama Hospital, Showa University, who has many years of endoscopic Endocyto 520x research in Japan, said: The special feature of this technology is the ability to perform "optical biopsy". This means that we can immediately assess cell nucleus morphology, gland structure as well as microvascular modeling, without having to wait for pathology results after taking tissue samples.
In Mr. T.'s case, the collected data helps doctors better assess the characteristics of the injury, thereby developing appropriate monitoring plans and advising on long-term risk control measures.
A story not uncommon in many Vietnamese families
Mr. N.V.T.'s case reflects the reality that many elderly people maintain the mentality of "seeing a doctor when sick". Meanwhile, many dangerous digestive diseases have stages of silent progression lasting for many years.
Age is one of the unchanged risk factors for digestive cancer. According to GLOBOCAN 2020 data, over 70% of stomach and colon cancers are diagnosed in people over 50 years old. For the elderly, the natural mucosal aging process creates a favorable environment for precancerous lesions to accumulate and develop.
If I hadn't had an endoscopy, perhaps I would still think I was completely healthy," Mr. T. shared. Late than ideal, but at the right time to protect the remaining years of a lifetime, in addition to helping to change the view of disease screening.
At Thu Cuc TCI, Endocyto 520x digestive endoscopy helps doctors observe detailed lesions right during the endoscopy, thereby improving the effectiveness of early detection of abnormalities in the stomach and colon. Along with a team of experienced digestive experts, gentle, safe endoscopy procedures and personalized monitoring plans, TCI provides patients with the opportunity to proactively screen, detect early and control the risk of digestive cancer from a very early stage.
