Purpose

We conducted this study to study the clinical correlation between the characteristics of gastric cancer and serum selenium and zinc levels.

Materials and Methods

The following data were measured in the baseline serum selenium and zinc levels of 74 patients with curative gastrectomy subsequent to confirmed gastric cancer, from March 2005 to August 2012.

Results

Among the 74 gastric cancer patients, 53 patients were male. Mean serum selenium and zinc levels were 118.7±33.1 ug/L and 72.2±24.3 ug/dl, respectively. Seven patients (9.5%) showed lower selenium level, and 33 patients (44.6%) showed lower zinc level. Serum Selenium level was 99.1±31.8 ug/L in cardia cancer group (10 cases) and 121.8±32.4 ug/L in non-cardia cancer group (64 cases)(P=0.044). According to tumor gross type, zinc level was 78.7±29.6 ug/dl in early gastric cancer (33) and 66.9±17.8 ug/dl in advanced gastric cancer (41) (P=0.064).

Conclusions

The serum selenium level was highly correlated with the location of gastric cancer. The serum zinc level was lower in advanced gastric cancer.

Urachal disease, a disorder where embryonic remnant of the cloaca and the allantois present after birth as a midline fibrous cord, is usually detected in infancy and childhood. But urachal disease in adults is rare. We report a case of a huge abscess derived from a urachal cyst in an adult. A 52-year-old man presented with peri-umbilical distension and abdominal pain for 2 weeks. Ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography scan demonstrated a huge abscess derived from the abdominal wall. After prompt incision and drainage, the remaining abscess cavity was removed completely under general anesthesia. Pathologic report was consistent with urachal duct cyst, and the patient was discharged in a week without complication.