Symptoms of Gastric (Stomach) Cancer

In the early stages of stomach cancer, a patient may have very few symptoms. Symptoms may include:

Indigestion and stomach discomfort A bloated feeling after eating Mild nausea Loss of appetite Heartburn Patients may not recognize these symptoms as serious and may not go to the doctor for a long time. A gastric tumor can grow very large before it causes other, more apparent symptoms.
As the disease progresses to more advanced stages, symptoms that may include:
Blood in the stool (feces) Vomiting Weight loss (unexplained) Stomach pain Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin) Ascites (build-up of fluid in the abdomen) Difficulty swallowing (back to top)Causes of Gastric (Stomach) Cancer The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown, but a number of conditions can increase the risk of the disease. These risk factors include:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection of the stomach. This bacterium produces substances that weaken the stomach's protective mucus and make it more susceptible to the damaging effects of acid and pepsin, as well as produce more acid. Chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) Age (highest risk is in persons over age 50) Being male A diet high in salted, smoked, or poorly preserved foods and low in fruits and vegetables Pernicious anemia Smoking cigarettes Intestinal metaplasia Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or gastric polyps A mother, father, sister, or brother who has had stomach cancer (back to top)Diagnosing Gastric (Stomach) Cancer In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic tests for stomach cancer may include the following:

Fecal occult blood test. This simple exam checks for hidden (occult) blood in the stool. It involves placing a very small amount of stool on a special card, which is then tested in the physician's office or sent to a laboratory.

Upper GI (gastrointestinal) series (also called barium swallow). This is a diagnostic test that examines the organs of the upper part of the digestive system: the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky liquid used to coat the inside of organs so they will show up on an x-ray) is swallowed. X-rays are then taken to evaluate the digestive organs.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (also called EGD or upper endoscopy). An EGD (upper endoscopy) is a procedure that allows the physician to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A thin, flexible, lighted tube, called an endoscope, is guided into the mouth and throat, then into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The endoscope allows the physician to view the inside of this area of the body, as well as to insert instruments through a scope for the removal of a sample of tissue for biopsy (if necessary).

Endoscopic ultrasound. This imaging technique uses sound waves to create a computer image of the inside of the esophagus and stomach. The endoscope is guided into the mouth and throat, then into the esophagus and the stomach. As in standard endoscopy, this allows the physician to view the inside of this area of the body, as well as insert instruments to remove a sample of tissue (biopsy). (back to top)Treating Gastric (Stomach) Cancer Specific treatment for gastric cancer will be determined by your physician based on:

age, overall health, and medical history The extent of the disease Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies Expectations for the course of the disease based on the diagnosis and stage of the cancer Your personal preferences Treatment for gastric cancer may include:

Surgery

Most common treatment for stomach cancer, may be necessary to remove cancerous tissue, as well as nearby non-cancerous tissue. The most common operation is called gastrectomy. If part of the stomach is removed, it is called a subtotal or partial gastrectomy. If the entire stomach is removed, it is called a total gastrectomy.

Radiation therapy.

therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill or shrink cancer cells.
Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. (back to top)Preventing Gastric (Stomach) Cancer Certain lifestyle changes can help decrease your risk of developing gastric and other types of cancer. These include:

A well-balanced diet that avoids salted or smoked foods, avoids excess starch, and includes sufficient daily fiber Proper food preparation and refrigeration Not smoking Use of alcohol in moderation Avoiding exposure to coal, nickel, or rubber processing