Gastric cancer can occur in the stomach lining, upper part of the stomach, lower part of the stomach or middle part of the stomach. Because this cancer can spread to lymph nodes and nearby organs, it is important that an early diagnosis is made. Learning about gastric cancer can help people identify the signs and symptoms, reduce their risk factors and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Prevalence
This type of cancer is most prevalent in South America, Eastern Europe, Japan and parts of the Middle East. It is the second leading cause of deaths related to cancer worldwide. According to the Oncology Channel, more than 24,000 cases of gastric cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. The total number of cases diagnosed each year worldwide is more than 760,000.
Risk Factors
Age, gender, geography and ethnicity play important roles in determining if someone will get stomach cancer. This cancer is more common in males than females, and its incidence increases sharply in people over the age of 50. Because the disease is more common in Japan, South America, China and Eastern Europe, living in one of these areas is a risk factor for gastric cancer. This disease is more common in African Americans and Hispanic Americans than in Caucasians. The group most affected by this disease is people who are considered Asian/Pacific Islanders.
Helicobacter pylori infection is a major risk factor for stomach cancer. This is because chronic infection can cause the stomach to become inflamed. This causes the stomach lining to develop pre-cancerous changes that can turn into cancer. Diets that contain high amounts of pickled vegetables, smoked foods, salted meat and salted fish increase the risk for gastric cancer. This is because they contain nitrates and nitrites. According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use doubles the risk for developing this disease. People with pernicious anemia, type A blood and Menetrier disease and those who have had stomach surgery are at an increased risk for this disease.
Signs & Symptoms
This cancer may cause a number of signs and symptoms that affect the digestive system. They include heartburn, a feeling of fullness after small portions of food, indigestion, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, feeling bloated and weight loss. This cancer can also cause a persistent feeling of fatigue.
Diagnosis
This cancer is diagnosed with a physical examination and diagnostic tests that can detect the presence of cancer. During a physical examination, the abdomen will be felt for any abnormal changes. Other possible signs of stomach cancer may also be noted. An upper endoscopy may be used to diagnose gastric cancer. This procedure involves the passing of an endoscope down the throat. The doctor can see the esophageal lining and stomach lining during this procedure. Tissue samples of abnormal areas are taken so that a biopsy can be performed. Imaging tests such as the MRI, CT scan, PET scan, endoscopic ultrasound and upper GI series can be used to take images of the stomach and detect the presence of tumors or other abnormal changes. The fecal occult blood test may be done to determine if blood is present in the stool, which can indicate internal bleeding.
Treatment
This type of cancer may be treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery. In radiotherapy, large doses of radiation are used to shrink or kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy involves the administration of toxic drugs that kill malignant cells. However, healthy cells can also be killed during this treatment. This results in fatigue, low blood counts, reduced immunity and hair loss. Partial gastrectomy can be used to remove the portion of the stomach that is affected by the cancer. If the cancer has spread throughout the stomach, a total gastrectomy may be required.
