Chapters authored
Gastric Cancer with Liver Metastasis (GCLM) and the Importance of Dormant Cancer Stem Cells
Surgical treatment of gastric cancer with liver metastasis (GCLM) is even more interested for oncologists. Liver resection or RFA (radiofrequency ablation) is not commonly indicated in gastric cancer with liver metastasis (GCLM). There is no direct marker defining the degree of biological aggressiveness of the tumor (indicating or contraindicating the surgical treatment), therefore we are left to rely on indirect prognostic factors: 1. cancerous invasion in the gastric wall serosa; 2. the presence of three and more liver metastases; 3. the size of metastasis exceeding 50 mm. Clarification of the nature of biological behavior of gastric cancer is a turning point of this treatment. Small light in explanation of the above problem is cancer stem cells (CSCs) theory. This theory proposes that CSCs serve not only as the basis for the development and progression of tumors, but also as the primary reason for tumor recurrence and metastasis. A better understanding of CSCs’ contribution to clinical tumor dormancy and metastasis will provide new therapeutic revenues to eradicate metastatic tumors and significantly reduce the mortality of cancer patients.
Part of the book: Gastric Cancer
About a New Palpation Sign in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis in Children and Women of Childbearing Age
Acute appendicitis (AA) is defined as nonspecific bacterial inflammation of the appendix vermiformis and is the most common acute abdominal condition requiring surgical intervention. The clinical picture of atypical forms of AA (children, women of childbearing age) is often insidious with its unpredictable onset and course. The diagnosis is particularly problematic. The new palpation sign consists of two reflex arcs. The visceral reflex arc ensures the diagnosis of an early stage of acute appendicitis, on the other hand, the somatic reflex arc points to the late stage of acute appendicitis. Due to the technical simplicity of the new palpation sign and the positioning of the patient during the examination, it is effective in a restless and distrustful child, as well as in women of childbearing age in differentiating AA from a gynecological disease.
Part of the book: Maternal and Child Health