Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also referred to as gastric cancer, is when a malignant tumor forms in the lining of the stomach, in the cells that produce mucus. In the United States, stomach cancer is relatively rare, especially when compared to Japan where diagnoses are more common. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stomach-cancer/DS00301

Stomach cancer is classified based on which tissue the cancer originates in. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of stomach cancer and accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all stomach cancers.http://www.webmd.com/cancer/stomach-gastric-cancer This most common form starts in the glandular cells of the stomach. Slightly more rare are other types of stomach cancer including soft tissue sarcomas (leiomyosarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumours [GISTs]), lymphomas (mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas [MALT]), and carcinoid tumors.http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Stomach/Aboutstomachcancer/Typesofstomachcancer.aspx

Symptoms of stomach cancer can easily resemble a number of other digestive disorders. They include indigestion, bloating, mild nausea, loss of appetite, and/or heartburn, stomach or abdominal pain (usually above the navel), constipation, diarrhea, weight loss, weakness or fatigue, and blood in the stool.http://www.cancercenter.com/stomach-cancer-symptoms.htm Because stomach cancer is a very serious condition, it is usually treated with a combination of the following, depending on the case and severity: Surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

Though no one is certain what exactly causes stomach cancer, a number of factors have been pinpointed as contributing to the development of this cancer. Certain bacterial infections (such as Helicobacter pylori) may lead to stomach cancer, as might a diet low in fruits and vegetables, a diet that is full of preserved or salted foods, smoking, gastric polyps, chronic gastritis, pernicious anemia, exposure to pollutants and asbestos, and genetics. Older men seem to be most at risk, especially when they exhibit any of the behaviors or have any of the conditions listed above that increase the risk of stomach cancer.http://www.webmd.com/cancer/stomach-gastric-cancer

In order to help safeguard yourself against this disease, try to eliminate risky behavior, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or eating a lot of salty foods. Eating a vitamin-rich diet may also help, especially adding vitamin A and viatmin C into your diet, along with lots of fiber.http://www.healthline.com/sw/cs-how-can-i-prevent-stomach-cancer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.