Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is uncontrolled, unnecessary multiplication of cells in the inner lining of stomach. These grow into a tumor. It is also called gastric cancer.

Causes of Stomach Cancer?

Exact cause for tumor formation is not known. But there are certain established risk factors:

• Smoking
• H.pylori infection
• Polyps
• Overweight or obesity
• Smoked, pickled, or salty foods
• Type-A Blood Group
• Epstein-Barr virus infection
• Genetics
• Coal, metal, timber, or rubber industry workers
• Asbestos exposure

Symptoms

• Bloating feeling
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Persistent nausea
• Weight loss

More serious symptoms:

• Pain
• Dark stool
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Jaundice
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Weakness

Diagnosis

• Blood test
• Upper endoscopy
• Upper GI scans
• CT scan
• Biopsy

Treatment

Treatment usually depends on the stage of cancer:

Stage 0

Stage I

• Surgery
• Chemoradiation

Stage II.

• Surgery
• Chemoradiation before and after.

Stage III.

• Surgery
• Chemoradiation

Stage IV Tumor spread far and wide to organs like the liver, lungs, or brain.

If the tumor blocks GI system.

• Laser on an Endoscopy
• Stenting your stomach and small intestine.
• Gastric Bypass surgery.

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both.