Overview
Gastric cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the stomach. Age, diet, and stomach disease can affect the risk of developing gastric cancer. Symptoms of gastric cancer include indigestion and stomach discomfort or pain. Gastric cancer consists of two pathological variants, intestinal and diffuse. The intestinal-type is the end-result of an inflammatory process that progresses from chronic gastritis to atrophic gastritis and finally to intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia. The diffuse-type, characterized by the development of linitis plastica, is associated with an unfavorable prognosis because the diagnosis is often delayed until the disease is quite advanced. Gastric H. pylori infection is highly associated with this type as with the intestinal-type.
Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- frequent heartburn
- loss of appetite, sometimes accompanied by sudden weight loss
- constant bloating
- early satiety (feeling full after eating only a small amount)
- bloody stools
- jaundice
- excessive fatigue
- stomach pain, which may be worse after meals
How is it Diagnosed?
Since people with stomach cancer rarely show symptoms in the early stages, the disease is often not diagnosed until it’s more advanced. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will first perform a physical exam to check for any abnormalities. They may also order a blood test, including a test for the presence of H. pylori bacteria. More diagnostic tests will need to be done if your doctor believes that you show signs of stomach cancer. Diagnostic tests specifically look for suspected tumors and other abnormalities in the stomach and esophagus. These tests may include:
- an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
- a biopsy
- imaging tests, such as CT scans and X-rays
Treatment
- chemotherapy
- radiation therapy
- surgery
- immunotherapy, such as vaccines and medication
Preventing Gastric Cancer
- maintaining a healthy weight
- eating a balanced, low-fat diet
- quitting smoking
- exercising regularly
Book Your Appointment Today
Book your appointment with Dr. Ujwal Zambare he is having 12 years of experience in Gastro-intestinal surgery, oncology, minimally invasive surgery and Liver, Pancreas, Biliary tract surgery.
Dr. Ujwal Zambare
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DNB (Gastrointestinal Surgery)
Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery
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All Text and Images is for information of Patients and Public and doesn’t replace medical practitioners advice. Visit doctor for medical advice.