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Stomach cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the
lining of the stomach. It is also called gastric cancer.
Estimated new cases and deaths from stomach cancer in the United States in 2007:
- New cases: 21,260
- Deaths: 11,210
Symptoms and Diagnosis
These and other symptoms may be caused by stomach cancer. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms.
In the early stages of stomach cancer, the following symptoms may occur:
- Indigestion and stomach discomfort.
- A bloated feeling after eating.
- Mild nausea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Heartburn.
In more advanced stages of stomach cancer, the following symptoms may occur:
- Blood in the stool.
- Vomiting.
- Weight loss for no known reason.
- Stomach pain.
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin).
- Ascites (build-up of fluid in the abdomen).
- Trouble swallowing.
A doctor should be consulted if any of these problems occur.
The following tests and procedures may be used to diagnose stomach cancer:
- Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient´s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
- Blood chemistry studies: A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body. An unusual (higher or lower than normal) amount of a substance can be a sign of disease in the organ or tissue that produces it.
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Upper endoscopy: A procedure to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine) to check for abnormal areas. An endoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is passed through the mouth and down the throat into the esophagus.
- Fecal occult blood test: A test to check stool (solid waste) for blood that can only be seen with a microscope. Small samples of stool are placed on special cards and returned to the doctor or laboratory for testing.
- Barium swallow: A series of x-rays of the esophagus and stomach. The patient drinks a liquid that contains barium (a silver-white metallic compound). The liquid coats the esophagus and stomach, and x-rays are taken. This procedure is also called an upper GI series.
- Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope to check for signs of cancer. A biopsy of the stomach is usually done during the
endoscopy.
- CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
Causes
All cancers are caused by dysfunctions of proteins involved in cell division, apoptosis, or DNA repair (see general characteristics). Dysfunctional proteins may arise from gene mutations or protein interactions with
environments such as viral proteins. The following
factors may increase the risk of developing stomach cancer:
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Helicobacter pylori infection of the stomach.
- Chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach).
- Older age.
- Being male.
- A diet high in salted, smoked, or poorly preserved foods and low in fruits and vegetables.
- Pernicious anemia.
- Smoking cigarettes.
- Intestinal metaplasia.
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or gastric polyps.
- A mother, father, sister, or brother who has had stomach cancer.
Reference:
National Cancer Institute, USA.
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