There are various types of stomach cancers (gastric cancers), including lymphomas, sarcomas and adenocarcinoma. The most common type is called adenocarcinoma, which refers to the way the cancer looks under the microscope. This stomach cancer is less likely to occur in the United States and is more prevalent in men over the age of 40.
Excessive salt in your diet has been identified as a stomach cancer risk factor as well as a family history and pre-existing conditions such as infections, gastric reflux and abnormal cellular lining.
Stomach Cancer Symptoms
There are many symptoms of stomach cancer, which include the following.
- a loss of appetite
- difficulty swallowing, particularly difficulty that increases over time
- vague abdominal fullness
- nausea and vomiting
- vomiting blood
- abdominal pain
- excessive belching
- breath odor
- excessive gas (flatus)
- weight loss
- a decline in general health
- abdominal fullness prematurely after meals
Stomach Cancer Treatment
A gastrectomy, surgical removal of the stomach, is the only cure. However, radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be beneficial for the stomach cancer patient. In circumstances in which the tumor has spread outside of the stomach, cure is not possible and treatment is directed toward improvement of stomach cancer symptoms such as with a surgical bypass, which has been known to relieve symptoms.
To make an appointment with a doctor, call toll-free 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737) or email hcc@mc.utmck.edu.
For more information, visit the American Cancer Society or National Cancer Institute. |
