Stomach Cancer
On this page, you’ll find everything you’re looking for regarding stomach cancer.
What is stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer is a rare disease that begins in the stomach when cell growth is out of control. The severity of the disease is determined by its size and extent of spread.
What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?
- Some symptoms might increase in likelihood with risk factors like smoking or the presence of Helicobacter pylori, such as:
- Heartburn andstomach pain.
- Acid reflux.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Frequent belching.
- Feeling full quickly when eating a small amount of food.
- Loss ofappetite.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Pain in the upper abdomen.
Feeling fatigued or lacking energy.
What are the causes of stomach cancer?
- There are no clear causes of stomach cancer, but several factors might increase the risk, such as:
- Age: Stomach cancer often affects older people; two-thirds of those affected are over 65 years old. Studies indicate that men are more likely to develop stomach cancer than women.
- Family history: A patient might have a family history of stomach cancer.
- Prior Helicobacter pylori infection without proper treatment could put one at risk for stomach cancer.
Existing stomach conditions, like long-term severe acid reflux or gastritis, or a condition called pernicious anemia, which affects the immune system.
What are the diagnostic methods?:
- The doctor will take the patient’s medical history and conduct aphysical examination, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:
Gastroscopy: This test, called a gastroscopy (a type of endoscopy), is used to look for any issues inside the stomach.
What are the treatment options for stomach cancer?
- Treatment involves several procedures, as needed, and may include:
- Surgery: If stomach cancer is detected early and has not yet spread, the patient might undergo surgery to remove part or most of the stomach. Insome cases, parts of other organs around the stomach may also need to be removed. Surgery aims to help alleviate symptoms, not to cure the cancer.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. A patient might undergo chemotherapy for stomach cancer before surgery to help reduce the size of the cancer and after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and help prevent the cancer from returning.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy involves high-energy, intense rays to kill cancer cells. It is used to treat early-stage cancer if surgery isn’t possible, and to help control and relieve symptoms of advanced cancer.
What are the prevention methods for stomach cancer?
- Some preventive measures can help reduce therisk of stomach cancer, such as:
- Quitting smoking, for more details, refer to the smoking cessation guide.
- Treating Helicobacter pylori infection if present.
Maintaining a healthy diet.
What are the complications of stomach cancer?
- Some complications can affect the patient, such as:
- Symptoms related to the spread of cancer to other body parts.
- Loss of appetite.
Weight loss.
When should you see a doctor?
- A patient should see a doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Loss of appetite.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Pain in the upper abdomen.
- Feeling fatigued or lacking energy.
If there is a family history of stomach cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I experience heartburn and stomach pain. Does this mean I have stomach cancer?
