Late-Stage Gastric Cancer: Recognizing End-of-Life Signs

Gastric cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies. In its early stages, symptoms can often be mistaken for less serious conditions such as gastritis or peptic ulcers, sometimes presenting only as acid reflux or belching. As the disease progresses to an advanced stage, patients often experience significant physical deterioration.

One of the key signs that a patient may be approaching the end of life is the appearance of sighing respiration or deep, labored breathing. This type of breathing often indicates that death is imminent and signals the body's systems beginning to shut down.

Unfortunately, most gastric cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. At this point, the cancer has often metastasized to distant organs, with liver metastasis being the most common. This can lead to liver dysfunction, further weakening an already compromised patient. Additionally, gastrointestinal bleeding is a frequent complication in late-stage gastric cancer, contributing to severe anemia and a condition known as cachexia—a state of extreme physical wasting.

In some cases, tumors located near the pylorus can obstruct gastric emptying, resulting in poor nutrient absorption and severe malnutrition. This significantly impacts the patient's overall prognosis and life expectancy.

Moreover, advanced gastric cancer can cause life-threatening upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In cases where the cancer has spread to the liver, hepatic rupture and internal bleeding can also occur, further complicating the clinical situation.

In summary, patients with end-stage gastric cancer often face a combination of severe physical decline, organ failure, and bleeding complications. Recognizing these signs can help caregivers and medical professionals provide appropriate palliative care during the final stages of the disease.