Stomach Cancer

What is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer or cancer in the stomach, is a type of malignancy that can develop in any part of the stomach. Stomach cancer most commonly spreads to other areas of the body, including the esophagus and small intestine. Stomach cancer is found in different stages, which are determined by how far the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Stomach cancer starts when abnormal cells grow inside the stomach when new cells are not needed, and then multiply constantly to form tumors and to spread to other locations in the body. A Gastroscopic exam is performed in order to diagnose cancer of the stomach, since it gives physicians the ability to visualize the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract.

Stomach Cancer Statistics

It is estimated that over 20,000 new cases of stomach cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2007, but only about half as many deaths will occur. Like most types of cancer, the prognosis depends highly on the stage of cancer when it is diagnosed. More than 70% of stage-1 stomach cancer patients will live for at least ten years after treatment, and the number decreases with the higher stage of cancer. Stage-four stomach cancer only has about a 5% survival rate, and the majority of diagnosed cases are already in the fourth stage.

Causes of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is associated with high salt intake in the diet, along with a low intake of fruits and vegetables. Smoking has also been linked to increasing the risk of stomach cancer, along with poor health and poor eating habits. An infection called Helicobacter pylori is the main risk factor in the majority of stomach cancer cases, along with gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. A small percentage of stomach cancers are thought to be genetic, but research is still pending regarding this theory.

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

In its first stages, stomach cancer is typically asymptomatic or only causes nonspecific symptoms. Once symptoms of stomach cancer are noticeable, the cancer has usually spread to other locations in the body. Early symptoms include indigestion, heartburn, and loss of appetite, but many patients do not feel the need to get screened for stomach cancer since these are very common symptoms for other health problems. Late stage symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, either diarrhea or constipation, and bloating after eating. Sudden weight loss can also occur, along with weakness, fatigue, and bleeding while vomiting or in the stool.

Treatment Options for Stomach Cancer

Like all types of cancer, the treatment depends on the patient and the extent of the cancer. The most common treatment is surgery, and the surgeon will remove either part or all of the stomach and surrounding tissues. Other organs such as the esophagus or spleen may also need to be removed, depending on how far the disease has spread. Chemotherapy is also used to fight stomach cancer, but is typically used to reduce the size of the tumor when surgery is not an option. Radiation is commonly used after surgery or chemotherapy, since it works to damage any left over abnormal cells to keep them from growing. Radiation therapy is also used to relieve symptoms of stomach cancer when it is considered incurable.

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