About Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, generally begins in the mucus production cells which line the stomach. This type, called adenocarcinoma, accounts for about ninety per cent of stomach cancer cases. Less common cancers in the stomach are lymphoma, which begins in the immune system cells, and carcinoid cancer, which originates in hormone-producing cells.

The cause of stomach cancer has not been proven, however it is suspected that a diet high in smoked, pickled and salted foods and low in vegetables and fruit increases the risk. It is noted that since the increase of refrigeration and better food preservation techniques, stomach cancer has greatly declined in the United States. It is more common in other countries, particularly Japan.

Other contributing factors may be H. pylori infection, smoking, pernicious anemia, gastric polyps, chronic gastritis and advancing age. Family history of stomach cancer can increase the risk.

Symptoms

Some symptoms typical of stomach cancer are bloating, indigestion, heartburn, feeling full after ingesting very little, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, nausea and vomiting. Any continuation of these symptoms should prompt a visit to your doctor.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of stomach cancer is achieved through imaging such as computerized tomography and barium X-ray, along with endoscopy, which uses a small camera threaded down through the throat and esophagus to view the stomach for signs of cancer. During the endoscopy, a small piece of tissue will be taken to be biopsied.

If needed, exploratory surgery may be performed to determine the extent and stage of the cancer. This will assist in making decisions regarding the best course of treatment.

Treatment

Common courses of treatment for stomach cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. If the cancer is in an early stage, it may be possible to remove the tumor and surrounding cells through endoscopy alone. However, in many cases, partial or full gastrectomy to remove part or all of the stomach may be required. Sometimes abdominal lymph nodes will be removed as well. If the stomach is removed, the esophagus will be attached to the small intestine in order for the digestion of food to remain possible.

Chemotherapy uses administration of chemicals to attempt to shrink tumors or kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy uses beams of energy to achieve the same results. Sometimes the two therapies may be utilized in combination with each other. The therapies may be used to try to make the tumor smaller for surgical removal or, in advanced cancer, to try to relieve the patient's discomfort from a growing tumor. If cancer has been removed, further chemotherapy or radiation may be done to be certain no cancerous cells remain.

Stomach cancer surgery and treatments carry risks of their own, and it is important to discuss these risks in order to make informed choices. It's important to remember that cancer patients require much support from family and friends.

Cancer research is ongoing, and it is hoped that someday soon a cure will be found.

Sources
www.health.nih.gov/topic/StomachCancer
www.mayoclinic.com/health/stomach-cancer/DS00301