Gastric cancer
Gastric cancer is cancer that starts in the stomach.
Causes
Risk factors for gastric cancer are a family history of gastric cancer, Helicobacter pylori infection, blood type A, smoking, a history of pernicious anemia, a history of chronic atrophic gastritis, a condition of decreased gastric acid, and a prior history of an adenomatous gastric polyp.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Breath odor
- Difficulty swallowing, particularly difficulty that increases over time
- Excessive belching
- Excessive gas (flatus)
- General decline in health
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Premature abdominal fullness after meals
- Unintentional weight loss
- Vague abdominal fullness
- Vomiting blood
- Weakness or fatigue
Exams and Tests
- The following tests can help diagnose gastric cancer:
- Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy
- Stool test to check for blood in the stools
Treatment:
- Surgical removal of the stomach (gastrectomy) is the only curative treatment. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be beneficial.
- For patients in whom surgery is not an option, chemotherapy or radiation can improve symptoms but may not cure the cancer. For some patients, a surgical bypass procedure may provide relief of symptoms.
Possible Complications:
- Fluid buildup in the belly area (ascites)
- Spread of cancer to other organs or tissues
- Weight loss
Diagnosis:
- Ultrasound of abdomen
Prevention
- Dont smoke
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
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