Stomach Cancer

Stomach Cancer Stomach Cancer is simply a cancer that attacks the stomach. The stomach is responsible for holding food after it is eaten. It also helps in breaking down and digestion of food.Cancer of the stomach is also referred to gastric cancer. This type of cancer begins from the cells that produce Mucus located on the inner lining of the patient’s stomach, which makes it one of the most common types of cancer.

Cancer of the stomach is not that common in the U.S.A.The statistics of people being diagnosed with it is always on the decline. However, this type of cancer is prevalent in other countries, mostly the ones in Asia.

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer


It is unlikely for people to know whether they are suffering from stomach cancer early enough, because this condition does not have any early symptoms, or they can be non-specific or vague. Nausea and Weight Loss are the very first signs, which can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. Also, there is really no specific symptom that can point directly to stomach cancer and thus further tests and evaluation is needed to diagnose the condition.

The symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the severity and type of stomach cancer. It is important to see a doctor as soon as one starts experiencing any symptoms related to stomach cancer.

1. Blood Present in Stool
This is one of the many symptoms of stomach cancer. Whenever you see blood on tissue after going for a long call, you should consider getting a checkup. However, it is worth noting that other conditions can also be characterized by Blood In Stool. Blood in stool may not be visible with the naked eye. Further tests on the stool need to be done to reveal the traces of blood and the cause. Blood in stool can occur as a result of other cancer types, most commonly Colon Cancer.

2. Abdominal Discomfort and Pain
This is the most commonly occurring symptom that actually compels people to seek medical attention. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. This pain and discomfort is mostly persistent on the upper abdomen. Any kind of persistent abdominal pain should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

3. Persistent Vomiting and Nausea
While these are non-specific symptoms associated with numerous conditions, it can also be due to the development of stomach cancer. Therefore, any persistent vomiting and nausea should be assessed by a doctor as it can damage the lining of the esophagus.

4. Appetite Loss
It is perfectly normal to lose appetite every once in a while.However, staying for too long without the desire to eat is bad for your health. Even so, loss of appetite does not necessarily point to stomach cancer.

5. Bloating of the Abdomen
When one has stomach cancer, abdominal bloating is also a common symptom. The pains are mostly prevalent after meals. Bloating can also be accompanied by Heartburn and indigestion.

6. Bowel Movements Changes
The most common bowel movements changes associated with stomach cancer include Diarrhea and Constipation. However, this can also be a non-specific symptom of the disease since this symptom can also be caused by other health issues.

7. Fatigue
If you experience fatigue that is persistent, it is best to seek medical attention. When one is suffering from stomach cancer, fatigue can be a symptom as it is caused by anemia as a result of blood lost from vomiting and stool.

8. Excessive and Rapid Weight Loss
Weight loss without dieting may be welcomed by most people but is often linked to serious health issues.It is important to seek medical attention if you lose more or about 5% of normal weight in less than six months if you have not been dieting or exercising.

Causes and Risk Factors of Stomach Cancer
There is no known cause of stomach cancer. However, there are several factors that can increase the risk of suffering from the disease. These include:

• Gender – it is a known fact that men are twice as likely to suffer from stomach cancer as women.


• Race – Asians and African Americans are at a higher risk of stomach cancer.


• Genetics – abnormalities in the genetic makeup can also cause stomach cancer as the syndrome is inherited.


• Geographical location – people in South America, Central America, Japan and the former Soviet Union are more likely to suffer from stomach cancer than people in other parts of the world.


• Blood type – people with blood group A have a higher risk of suffering from stomach cancer than people with other blood groups.


• Age – people between the ages of 70 and above are more likely to develop cancer of the stomach than younger individuals.


• Lifestyle factors –like alcohol intake, smoking and eating foods low in fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of stomach cancer.


• H.pylori –is a bacterium that causes inflammation of the lining of the stomach as well as Ulcers may also lead to higher chance of developing stomach cancer.


• Some health conditions– chronic Gastritis, gastric polyps, pernicious anemia, prior stomach surgery as well as intestinal metaplasia can also lead to stomach cancer.


• Frequent exposure to chemicals – some professions such as coal mining, rubber and timber processing as well as nickel refining can also increase the chances of getting stomach cancer as they are frequently exposed to chemicals.

Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer
There are several tests that can be used to diagnose stomach cancer. They include:

• Gastroscopy– is done by passing a thin and flexible tube down the patient’s throat to see into the stomach, your bowel’s upper part and the esophagus.


• Barium x-ray– the patient is made to swallow barium liquid, which shows up on x-ray screens as it passes through the stomach as well as the digestive system. This easily reveals any abnormalities in the stomach.


• Biopsy –is done by the removal of a small sample of the stomach during an endoscopy, and is assessed under a microscope.


• Blood tests– include a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test. CEA is present in high amounts in some cancerous cells. It occurs in almost half of the number of people identified with cancer of the stomach.


• Ultrasound – sound waves are used to create a picture of your stomach.

Treatments of Stomach Cancer
The treatment option used to treat cancer of the stomach mostly depends on the cancer stage, general health and preference.

1. Surgery
Surgery is done to get rid of all cancers in the stomach and also margins of healthy tissues if possible. There are several options, which include:

• Removal of Tumors in the early stage is when small cancer tumors are removed from the lining of the stomach through endoscopy mucosal resection.


• Removal of a stomachportion is also referred to as subtotal gastrectomy where the surgeon eliminates the part of the stomach that is affected by the tumor.


• Removal of the full stomach involves getting rid of the full stomach and also some surrounding tissues. The esophagus is directly connected to the small intestines for digestion purposes.


• Removal of lymph nodes.Here, the lymph nodes on the abdomen are removed to be examined for the presence cancer cells.


• Surgery for relieving symptoms.It is possible for a portion of the stomach to be removed as a way of relieving symptoms of stomach cancer. This is done in a case where the tumor is growing, which is common in people suffering from advanced cancer of the stomach.

2. Radiation
It is possible for radiation therapy to be prescribed before surgery as a way of shrinking the tumor to make it easier to remove. Radiation is done using high power beams of energy like x-ray as a way of killing the cells.

3. Chemotherapy
This is a type of drug treatment that makes use of medical chemicals to destroy cancer cells. This is also a measure that can be administered before surgery as a way of shrinking the tumor and thus making it easier to remove.

4. Use of Targeted Drugs
The use of these drugs is done to attack abnormalities in cancer cells.These drugs include:

• Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is used to treat cancerous stomach cells that are found to be producing excess HER2.


• Imatinib (Gleevec) is used to treat an uncommon form of cancer of the stomach named gastrointestinal stromal tumor.


• Sunitinib (Sutent) is for treating gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

Doing tests on the cancer cells helps determine if these treatments will work for you.

Watch a video to learn something about the stomach cancer diet:

Stomach Cancer

Stomach Cancer

Stomach Cancer is simply a cancer that attacks the stomach. The stomach is responsible for holding food after it is eaten. It also helps in breaking down and digestion of food.Cancer of the stomach is also referred to gastric cancer. This type of cancer begins from the cells that produce Mucus located on the inner lining of the patient’s stomach, which makes it one of the most common types of cancer.

Cancer of the stomach is not that common in the U.S.A.The statistics of people being diagnosed with it is always on the decline. However, this type of cancer is prevalent in other countries, mostly the ones in Asia.

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer


It is unlikely for people to know whether they are suffering from stomach cancer early enough, because this condition does not have any early symptoms, or they can be non-specific or vague. Nausea and Weight Loss are the very first signs, which can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. Also, there is really no specific symptom that can point directly to stomach cancer and thus further tests and evaluation is needed to diagnose the condition.

The symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the severity and type of stomach cancer. It is important to see a doctor as soon as one starts experiencing any symptoms related to stomach cancer.

1. Blood Present in Stool
This is one of the many symptoms of stomach cancer. Whenever you see blood on tissue after going for a long call, you should consider getting a checkup. However, it is worth noting that other conditions can also be characterized by Blood In Stool. Blood in stool may not be visible with the naked eye. Further tests on the stool need to be done to reveal the traces of blood and the cause. Blood in stool can occur as a result of other cancer types, most commonly Colon Cancer.

2. Abdominal Discomfort and Pain
This is the most commonly occurring symptom that actually compels people to seek medical attention. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. This pain and discomfort is mostly persistent on the upper abdomen. Any kind of persistent abdominal pain should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

3. Persistent Vomiting and Nausea
While these are non-specific symptoms associated with numerous conditions, it can also be due to the development of stomach cancer. Therefore, any persistent vomiting and nausea should be assessed by a doctor as it can damage the lining of the esophagus.

4. Appetite Loss
It is perfectly normal to lose appetite every once in a while.However, staying for too long without the desire to eat is bad for your health. Even so, loss of appetite does not necessarily point to stomach cancer.

5. Bloating of the Abdomen
When one has stomach cancer, abdominal bloating is also a common symptom. The pains are mostly prevalent after meals. Bloating can also be accompanied by Heartburn and indigestion.

6. Bowel Movements Changes
The most common bowel movements changes associated with stomach cancer include Diarrhea and Constipation. However, this can also be a non-specific symptom of the disease since this symptom can also be caused by other health issues.

7. Fatigue
If you experience fatigue that is persistent, it is best to seek medical attention. When one is suffering from stomach cancer, fatigue can be a symptom as it is caused by anemia as a result of blood lost from vomiting and stool.

8. Excessive and Rapid Weight Loss
Weight loss without dieting may be welcomed by most people but is often linked to serious health issues.It is important to seek medical attention if you lose more or about 5% of normal weight in less than six months if you have not been dieting or exercising.

Causes and Risk Factors of Stomach Cancer
There is no known cause of stomach cancer. However, there are several factors that can increase the risk of suffering from the disease. These include:

• Gender – it is a known fact that men are twice as likely to suffer from stomach cancer as women.


• Race – Asians and African Americans are at a higher risk of stomach cancer.


• Genetics – abnormalities in the genetic makeup can also cause stomach cancer as the syndrome is inherited.


• Geographical location – people in South America, Central America, Japan and the former Soviet Union are more likely to suffer from stomach cancer than people in other parts of the world.


• Blood type – people with blood group A have a higher risk of suffering from stomach cancer than people with other blood groups.


• Age – people between the ages of 70 and above are more likely to develop cancer of the stomach than younger individuals.


• Lifestyle factors –like alcohol intake, smoking and eating foods low in fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of stomach cancer.


• H.pylori –is a bacterium that causes inflammation of the lining of the stomach as well as Ulcers may also lead to higher chance of developing stomach cancer.


• Some health conditions– chronic Gastritis, gastric polyps, pernicious anemia, prior stomach surgery as well as intestinal metaplasia can also lead to stomach cancer.


• Frequent exposure to chemicals – some professions such as coal mining, rubber and timber processing as well as nickel refining can also increase the chances of getting stomach cancer as they are frequently exposed to chemicals.

Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer
There are several tests that can be used to diagnose stomach cancer. They include:

• Gastroscopy– is done by passing a thin and flexible tube down the patient’s throat to see into the stomach, your bowel’s upper part and the esophagus.


• Barium x-ray– the patient is made to swallow barium liquid, which shows up on x-ray screens as it passes through the stomach as well as the digestive system. This easily reveals any abnormalities in the stomach.


• Biopsy –is done by the removal of a small sample of the stomach during an endoscopy, and is assessed under a microscope.


• Blood tests– include a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test. CEA is present in high amounts in some cancerous cells. It occurs in almost half of the number of people identified with cancer of the stomach.


• Ultrasound – sound waves are used to create a picture of your stomach.

Treatments of Stomach Cancer
The treatment option used to treat cancer of the stomach mostly depends on the cancer stage, general health and preference.

1. Surgery
Surgery is done to get rid of all cancers in the stomach and also margins of healthy tissues if possible. There are several options, which include:

• Removal of Tumors in the early stage is when small cancer tumors are removed from the lining of the stomach through endoscopy mucosal resection.


• Removal of a stomachportion is also referred to as subtotal gastrectomy where the surgeon eliminates the part of the stomach that is affected by the tumor.


• Removal of the full stomach involves getting rid of the full stomach and also some surrounding tissues. The esophagus is directly connected to the small intestines for digestion purposes.


• Removal of lymph nodes.Here, the lymph nodes on the abdomen are removed to be examined for the presence cancer cells.


• Surgery for relieving symptoms.It is possible for a portion of the stomach to be removed as a way of relieving symptoms of stomach cancer. This is done in a case where the tumor is growing, which is common in people suffering from advanced cancer of the stomach.

2. Radiation
It is possible for radiation therapy to be prescribed before surgery as a way of shrinking the tumor to make it easier to remove. Radiation is done using high power beams of energy like x-ray as a way of killing the cells.

3. Chemotherapy
This is a type of drug treatment that makes use of medical chemicals to destroy cancer cells. This is also a measure that can be administered before surgery as a way of shrinking the tumor and thus making it easier to remove.

4. Use of Targeted Drugs
The use of these drugs is done to attack abnormalities in cancer cells.These drugs include:

• Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is used to treat cancerous stomach cells that are found to be producing excess HER2.


• Imatinib (Gleevec) is used to treat an uncommon form of cancer of the stomach named gastrointestinal stromal tumor.


• Sunitinib (Sutent) is for treating gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

Doing tests on the cancer cells helps determine if these treatments will work for you.

Watch a video to learn something about the stomach cancer diet:

Stomach Cancer

Stomach Cancer






Cancerous growth that occurs on the stomach causing intense pain and bloody discharge in stools is called stomach cancer. Depending on the intensity of cancer growth and its stage treatment is given. Stomach is the vital part that is meant for storing and digesting food particles and is a big bundle of muscular sac found on the upper side of your abdomen. Stomach cancer is also known as gastric cancer since it begins its attack in the soft mucus lining of the stomach called Adenocarcinoma.

This disease is marked by the presence of malignant tumor in the stomach. The rate of stomach cancer is fast declining in many parts of the world due to awareness and improved technology. Majority of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma affecting the tissues of the lining of stomach. There are other types of stomach cancer that affects the lymph system (lymphomas) and connective tissues (sarcomas).

Symptoms :

The major signs of stomach cancer are given below:-

• Bloated feeling after every meals

• Feeling discomfort in the stomach along with pain

• Indigestion

• Nausea and vomiting sensation

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue and extreme tiredness

• Weight Loss (unexplained)

These are some of the symptoms of early stomach cancer and the signs are almost the same for Peptic Ulcer too. If the cancer has grown large and has affecting the muscle layer and other layers of the stomach you may have one or more of the symptoms given below:-

• Blood in vomit and persistent vomiting

• Bloody discharge in your stool or black tarry stools

• Discomfort and pain in the middle part of the stomach

• Bloated feeling or fullness

• Sudden weight loss

• Severe Heartburn

You need to seek immediate medical advice if you have any of the above symptoms since stomach cancer can be treated completely if diagnosed in early stages.

Causes :

Exact cause of this disease is still not clear but experts believe that there is good relation between what you eat and how you live. Stomach cancer is said to be caused by mutated genes that are defective. Tumor causing cells will grow rapidly invading the neighborhood areas spreading quickly. In rare cases, cancerous cells will be let loose from the tumor which travels into the bloodstream affecting other vital parts.

Risk Factors :

Being men makes you more prone to develop stomach cancer than women for unknown reason. If there is a family history of stomach cancer or other types of cancer then there is increased risk of getting cancer. Presence of genetic abnormalities can cause cancer in the stomach.

People with A group blood and those living in Japan, Korea and Central America have more chance of developing stomach cancer than others. Those who are very old (above 70 years) and have been infected with H Pylori bacteria have doubled the chance of getting stomach cancer.

People with frequent problems in intestine like chronic Gastritis and polyps are prone to develop stomach cancer. People who are exposed to poisonous metals like lead, nickel and asbestos have chance for getting stomach cancer. Eating low fiber diet and continued smoking and drinking can pose risk for concerned person.

Stomach Cancer Types :

Based on the part that is being affected stomach cancer are classified into 4 categories:

1. Adenocarcinoma : The cancer starts in the glandular cells that is the innermost lining of the stomach and is responsible for protecting the lining from strong acids and other digestive enzymes. Majority of stomach cancers belong to this type.

2. Lymphoma : Stomach walls include good numbers of immune system cells and when they are attacked it causes lymphoma.

3. Carcinoid Cancer : There are certain cells that produces hormone and when cancerous cells grow in these cells it causes carciniod cancer.

4. GI stromal Tumor : Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is one in which cancer cells begins to develop on the nervous system tissues found in the stomach.

Item number 2-4 are rare in occurrence.

Tests :

Endoscopy test is the best procedure available for detecting stomach cancer. A long slender tube fitted with a camera is sent through the throat into the stomach. Your doctor will monitor the screen through the camera which will clearly show the presence of tumor causing cells. He would also do a biopsy (removing small sample tissue from the lining) for ascertaining the diagnoses.

CT scan, MRI scan and X-ray are also done for testing stomach cancer. To find out the exact stage of stomach cancer procedures like Positron Emission Tomography and laparoscopic surgery is done.

Cancer Stages :

First Stage : The cancer cells will affect only the innermost lining or tissue of the stomach at this stage. Some cells would have spread to the lymph nodes nearby.

Second Stage : Now the cancer cells would have spread deep into the muscle layers penetrating through the tissues. It would certainly have invaded the lymphatic system cells also.

Third Stage : At this stage the cancer cells would have passed through the entire layers of the stomach till the outer walls.

Fourth Stage : Now the cancer causing cells would have been left loose facilitating easy spreading to other parts of the body.

Treatment :

Treatment options usually involve combining chemotherapy and surgery or surgery with radiation therapy in most of the cases. Gastrectomy is the name of the surgery done for removing affected parts of the stomach including tissue and muscle layers. This procedure is done for treating stomach cancer of early stages that has invaded the inner lining and tissues. The entire process will be done through endoscopy and the surgeon will cut and remove the affected part along with few healthy tissues.

Subtotal gastrectomy is one in which part of the stomach portion that is affected with cancer is removed. In total gastrectomy the entire stomach portion will be removed and the esophagus will be directly connected with the small intestine. In advanced stages, (when the cancer cannot be cured) the surgeon will remove only part of the stomach for providing relief from sharp pain.

Radiation Therapy :

In this process high beams of radiation light are sent into the stomach to destroy cancer causing cells. It is normally used before surgery for shrinking the tumor cells or after the surgical process for killing any leftover cancerous cells. This procedure along with chemotherapy is used for relieving the side effects of large sized tumor.

Chemotherapy :

Strong chemicals are used in this method to destroy cancer cells. Drugs are injected intravenously which would travel in your body to attack and kill cancerous cells. This process is used for treating advanced stomach cancer in which the cancer cells have invaded other parts of the body. Chemotherapy is either done before or after the surgery. Targeted medications like Herceptin, Gleevac and Sutent are used for treating some types of stomach cancer.

Coping :

It would be really shocking and overwhelming for anyone to know that he/she is diagnosed for stomach cancer. First you have to accept it. Collect more details from your doctor and identify which stage of cancer you are in. Discuss about the treatment options and risks involved in each process. Support groups are available and hence try to get in touch with people who are in similar trauma. Find people who are surviving with cancer and stay connected with them online.

Prevention :

You cannot prevent getting stomach cancer. Steps can be taken for reducing the risk of developing stomach cancer. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet and reduce the salt intake. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol by getting help from your doctor. Follow the instructions of your doctor for doing periodic endoscope procedures to know about any new developments in your stomach.