Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is a serious health problem where cancer cells grow on or in the stomach. It can be fatal, but if caught in the early stages, treatments may be successful. Stomach cancer can appear in any part of the stomach. I can also start in other areas of the body and spread to the stomach. It can be very painful and sometimes fatal.
Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer
Anyone can get stomach cancer, but certain people are more at risk than others. Genetics, environments factors and habits all play a role in stomach cancer risks. Some common risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Presence of Helicobacter pylori
- Age
- Family history
- High salt intake
- Pernicious anemia
- Occupational exposure
- Obesity
Causes of Stomach Cancer
It is not known what causes stomach cancer. There are several things that can contribute to it. Cancer cell mutation begins in a cell’s DNA. The mutation causes the cells to keep growing and living. Normal cells die after a period of time, but cancer cells continue to grow. There is also a strong correlation between a diet high in smoked and salted foods and stomach cancer.
Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
The symptoms of stomach cancer can vary by patient. Some people do not experience any symptoms in the early stages or ignore the symptoms because they are so mild. In many cases, stomach cancer is found while doctors are looking for other health problems. The most common symptoms of stomach cancer include:
- Fatigue
- Feeling bloated after eating
- Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
- Severe, persistent heartburn
- Severe indigestion that is always present
- Unexplained, persistent nausea
- Stomach pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Unintentional weight loss
DIAGNOSIS OF STOMACH CANCER
Doctors use a variety of different tests to diagnose stomach cancer. Doctors don’t only diagnose the presence of stomach cancer, but the severity of it as well. Cancer is rated in stages. A higher stage means a more serious type of cancer. Some common tests used to diagnose stomach cancer include:
- Endoscopy
- CT scan
- X-ray
- Exploratory surgery
- Biopsy
TREATMENT OF STOMACH CANCER
There are many different treatment options for stomach cancer. Doctors often choose the right treatment based on the severity of the cancer, the patient’s preference, and the patient’s overall health. The area of the stomach where the cancer is present also plays a role in the treatment. Common treatment options include:
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted Drugs
- Palliative Care
PROGNOSIS OF STOMACH CANCER
If the cancer is diagnosed before it can spread to areas outside the stomach, the prognosis is good. Once the cancer has spread or if it is not diagnosed until later stages, the survival rate is lower. Many people are able to beat cancer and go on to live normal lives. Patients should be checked regularly to make sure they are still in remission.
COMPLICATIONS
The complications associated with stomach cancer are often a result of the disease itself. Complications include the symptoms of the disease and side effects from treatment. Many patients experience the following complications:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Impaction
- Bowel obstruction
- Diarrhea
