Stomach Cancer

What is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer is the cancer of the stomach and is also known as gastric cancer. The stomach is an organ in the digestive tract where food is digested before it moves to the intestines. Stomach cancer usually develops in the lining of the stomach. There are different types of stomach cancer, with the most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma.

Stomach cancer could be genetic and has been associated with family history, it is also linked to cases of chronic infection of Helicobacter pylori. This is a type of bacteria associated with chronic gastritis and the development of recurrent peptic ulcers. 

What are the symptoms of Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages. As it develops, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Constant indigestion
• Unexplained weight loss
• Upper abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Heartburn

As the cancer progresses, you may experience more serious symptoms such as:

• Anemia
• Black stools
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Jaundice
• Nausea and vomiting

What are the risk factors of Stomach Cancer?

• Age: Stomach cancer is more prevalent in those aged 50 and above.
• Chronic gastritis: People who suffer from long-term gastritis may be at a higher risk as inflammation of the stomach may affect the stomach lining where stomach cancers usually form.
• Diet: A diet high in salt, pickled or smoked food has been linked to a higher risk of stomach cancer.
• Ethnicity: Asians have been linked to as higher risk of stomach cancer.
• Family history: People who have a close family member with a history of stomach cancer face a higher risk of stomach cancer.
• Smoking: Smoking increases your risk for developing several types of cancer, including stomach cancer.
• Helicobactor pylori infection: Your risk of stomach cancer increases if you have had a Helicobactor pylori infection.

How is Stomach Cancer diagnosed?

Biopsy
A biopsy is done to check the lymph nodes and bone marrow for signs of cancer.

Blood Test
A complete blood count blood test will be done to check for white blood cell increase which could be a sign of cancer. 

Gastroscopy
A gastroscopy is a procedure to examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. 

Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan to check the stomach for abnormalities.