Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer Stomach cancer is cancer that starts in the stomach. Causes, incidence, and risk factors Have a family history of gastric cancer Have an infection of the stomach by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori Had a polyp larger than 2 centimeters in the stomach Have inflammation and swelling of the stomach for a long time (chronic atrophic gastritis) Have pernicious anemia Smoke

Stomach cancer Symptoms Abdominal fullness or pain, which may occur after eat a small meal Dark stools Difficulty swallowing, which becomes worse over time Excessive belching General decline in health Loss of appetite Nausea Vomiting, which may contain blood Weight loss

Stomach cancer Signs and tests Diagnosis is often delayed because symptoms may not occur in the early stages of the disease. Or, patients may self-treat symptoms that gastric cancer has in common with other, less serious gastrointestinal disorders (bloating, gas, heartburn, and a sense of fullness). The following tests can help diagnose gastric cancer: Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy to examine the stomach tissue Stool test to check for blood in the stools

Stomach cancer Treatment: Treatment Surgery to remove the stomach is the only treatment that can cure the condition. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may help. For many patients, chemotherapy and radiation therapy after surgery may improve the chance of a cure. For patients who cannot have surgery, chemotherapy or radiation can improve symptoms and may prolong survival, but will likely not cure the cancer.

Stomach cancer Prevention: Diet and Lifestyle : Excessive salt intake has been identified as a possible risk factor for gastric cancer. Having a high intake of fresh fruits and vegetables may be associated with a decreased risk of gastric cancer. Pre-existing Conditions: Infection with a certain bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. Long-standing reflux of gastric contents and the development of an abnormal cellular lining is also associated with an increased risk of cancer at the junction of the stomach and esophagus. Don't smoke