Gastric cancer in a young adult

We report a case of gastric adenocarcinoma in a 23-yr-old white man. Since only 1% of gastric cancers occur in patients under 35 yr or age, the diagnosis is often overlooked. The presence of persistent pain, weight loss, early satiety, anemia, and vomiting are clues to the underlying disorder. Endoscopy is the best means of diagnosis. All ulcers or other suspicious lesions should be biopsied. Prognosis is poor, related to the failure to suspect the diagnosis and to the aggressive nature of the disease. This case points out the importance of the thorough investigation of all patients with suggestive findings regardless of the patient's age.