Frequency of Gastrointestinal Cancers Based on Upper and Lower Endoscopic Findings in Zahedan, 2019-2021

Abstract

Background:

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers represent a significant portion of Iran's cancer burden. Regional epidemiological data from Southern Iran remain limited. This study aimed to determine the frequency and characteristics of major GI cancers diagnosed via endoscopic procedures in Zahedan.

Materials and Methods:

 In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we analyzed all endoscopic and colonoscopic procedures (N=6,124) performed at Ali Ibn Abi Talib Hospital between 2019-2021. Data from patients with pathologically confirmed malignancies were extracted and analyzed using SPSS software version 26.

Results: 

Malignancy was confirmed in 315 cases (5.14%). Esophageal cancer was most frequent (38.7%), followed by gastric (35.9%) and colorectal cancer (24.8%). The mean age was 61 years, with 56.2% male predominance. Sex distribution differed significantly: esophageal cancer was more prevalent in women (P=0.044), while gastric cancer predominated in men (P=0.014). Histologically, squamous cell carcinoma characterized most esophageal cancers (57.4%), while adenocarcinomas accounted for most gastric (85.8%) and colorectal cancers (88.5%).

Conclusion: 

This study reveals a distinct GI cancer profile in Southern Iran, with high esophageal cancer frequency showing a unique gender distribution. These findings emphasize the need for region-specific screening strategies and warrant further investigation into underlying risk factors.