STOMACH CANCER

Cancer of the stomach is the abnormal growth of the cells in the lining of the stomach.

The stomach is located in the upper abdomen and is where part of the food digestion process occurs.

Risk factors for stomach cancer are:

inflammation and damage to the inner layer of the stomach
diets containing large amounts of smoked foods, salted fish and meat, certain foods high in starch that are also low in fiber, and pickled vegetables
certain dusts and fumes
tobacco and alcohol abuse
being male
over the age of 50
H. pylori infection
prior gastric resection and
history of pernicious anemia

People who have cancer of the stomach have very few symptoms of the stomach cancer until late in the disease. Possible symptoms are weight loss, abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion, burning sensation (heartburn), diarrhea or constipation, weakness (fatigue), and loss of appetite. Seek medical evaluation if these occur.

Special tests may be needed to diagnose stomach cancer. An upper GI series is an exam where the patient drinks a liquid that coats the lining and makes the stomach easier to see on x-ray. Endoscopy, is a procedure that inserts a flexible tube (gastroscope) through the mouth into the stomach. This allows the healthcare provider to look at the inside of the stomach for cancer cells. Removal of some cells for evaluation (biopsy) under a microscope may be done at this time.

If stomach cancer is diagnosed, the treatment will depend on whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment may include:

surgery to remove part or all of the stomach
chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells by using drugs
radiation therapy to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors by x-rays or other high-energy rays or
biological therapy (immunotherapy) to help the body's immune system

For more information, contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER. Visit their websites at www.cancer.org and www.cancer.gov.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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