SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF GASTRIC CANCER: AN ANALYSIS OF 712 CONSECUTIVE OPERATIVELY AND PATHOLOGICALLY PROVED CASES

The material forming the basis of this report was obtained from my records of cases at the Mayo Clinic and my service at Augustana Hospital, Chicago. Of the 712 cases studied, all had been operatively and pathologically proved to be gastric cancer. Doubtful cases were excluded. Sex. —The sex ratio was approximately that of gastric ulcer; namely, 483 males and 229 females, or 2.1 to 1. Age. —While instances were recorded at as low as 20 years, the age of more than three-fourths of the patients ranged between the fifth and the eighth decades. Etiologic Factors. —A family or blood-relationship history was proved in 9.4 per cent. of cases. A history of trauma was demonstrated in 3.1 per cent. of instances. In 2.2 per cent, the trauma appeared to precipitate symptoms. With respect todefinite symptomatology, it is well to admit here that 1.9 per cent. of cases gave absolutely