About Stomach Cancer

Stomach, or gastric, cancer occurs when the cells in the stomach grow abnormally, more cells are produced than necessary, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra, abnormal cells form a cancerous tumor. Tumors can often be removed, but untreated cancerous tumors can spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer:

The early symptoms of stomach cancer include indigestion and general stomach discomfort. This makes diagnosing the condition in the early stages harder. Other symptoms of stomach cancer include weight loss, vomiting and nausea, heartburn, a full or bloated feeling, stomach pain, fatigue, bloody stools, jaundice and trouble swallowing.

*Anyone with any of the above symptoms should seek medical advice to rule out stomach cancer.

Risk Factors for Developing Stomach Cancer:

There is no exact cause for stomach cancer but some things do put people at higher risk of developing the condition. A diet high in salted, picked and smoked foods and low in fruits and vegetables, being male, smoking, family history of the disease, stomach inflammation, being over age 72, ever having the Helicobacter pylori infection, and having pernicious anemia will all increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Race plays a factor in the development of stomach cancer also. African Americans, Pacific Islanders, Asians, and Hispanics are at greater risk than others are.

Types of Stomach Cancers:

There are four types of stomach cancer. The type is determined by the cells that create the tumor.

Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of stomach cancer, accounting for over 90% of all cases. Adenocarcinoma is cancer of the glandular cells that line the stomach and protect it from digestive acids.

Lymphoma is a rare type of stomach cancer that attacks the immune system cells in the walls of the stomach.

Another rare form of stomach cancer is carcinoid cancer, which is in the hormone-producing cells of the stomach.

The least seen type of stomach cancer is a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, or GIST, which attacks nervous system cells.

Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer:

To arrive at a diagnosis of stomach cancer, a physician will do a physical exam; x-rays with barium swallow solution so tumors show up, endoscopy in which a lighted tube is put in your mouth and down your throat into the stomach. Any suspicious spots will be biopsied. If the doctor suspects the cancer has spread, more invasive tests such as exploratory surgery may be called for.

Treatment for Stomach Cancer:

Treatment options are determined based on age, general health, and severity of disease. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery are all treatment options for stomach cancer. There are also clinical trials available for select patients that meet specific criteria.

References:

Mayoclinic.com

MedicineNet.com