Gastric cancer
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the stomach. Age, diet, and stomach disease can affect the risk of developing gastric cancer.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Symptoms of gastric cancer include indigestion and stomach discomfort or pain. These and other symptoms may be caused by gastric cancer or by other conditions. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
- Indigestion or a burning sensation (heartburn).
- Discomfort or pain in the abdomen.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Bloating of the stomach after meals.
- Loss of appetite.
- Sensation of food getting stuck in the throat while eating.
- Symptoms of advanced gastric cancer include:
- Weakness and fatigue.
- Vomiting blood or having blood in the stool.
- Unexplained weight loss.
Risk Factors[edit | edit source]
Certain factors increase the risk of developing gastric cancer. These include:
- Having a certain type of anemia (pernicious anemia).
- Having chronic atrophic gastritis.
- Having had an infection in the stomach caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
- Having had stomach surgery for non-cancerous diseases, such as ulcers.
- Having a certain inherited condition, such as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
- Having a diet that is high in salted, smoked, or pickled foods.
- Having a diet that is low in fruits and vegetables.
- Being older or male.
- Smoking cigarettes.
- Having a family history of gastric cancer.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Tests that examine the stomach and esophagus are used to detect (find) and diagnose gastric cancer. The following tests and procedures may be used:
- Physical exam and history.
- Blood chemistry studies.
- Complete blood count (CBC).
- Upper endoscopy.
- Upper GI series.
- CT scan.
- Biopsy.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
There are different types of treatment for patients with gastric cancer. Five types of standard treatment are used:
- Surgery.
- Radiation therapy.
- Chemotherapy.
- Chemoradiation therapy.
- Targeted therapy.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
- The stage of the cancer (whether it is in the stomach only or has spread to other places in the body).
- The patient’s general health.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD