[A diagnostic protocol for gastric cancer in old age]

After examining the various diagnostic methods used for gastric cancer, the paper analyses all geriatric patients affected by this disease and hospitalised in the Institute of Pathological Surgery at the University of Pavia between 1/1/1974 and 31/12/1986. The results obtained confirmed that: the subjective symptoms of the elderly patient affected by gastric cancer differ in a large number of cases from those in adults; in some cases, in fact, the disease is silent for long periods of time, whereas it is only slight in others; tests performed revealed neoplasia and possible metastases. In conclusion, although the symptomatology in elderly patients is not clear, some symptoms (weight loss, anemia, etc.) may give the doctor cause for concern. Diagnosis may be made using a variety of tests, ranging from the more commonplace (X-ray of the digestive tract, echography, gastroscopy with biopsy, etc.) to the most recent techniques (immunoscintigraphy).