Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that can develops in any part of the stomach. It is sometimes called gastric cancer. It can spread to organs such as the esophagus, the lungs and even the liver. It is the fourth most common cancer. It causes about 800,000 deaths worldwide every year making it the second most common cause of cancer related deaths after lung cancer. Suspected risk factors include gastritis, intestinal metaplasia. Others include Helicobacter pylori, high salt in food and smoking. Low consumption of fruits and vegetables is another risk factor. The incidence rate of stomach cancer is three males per every woman and this is because estrogen protects women from this type of cancer. A very small percentage is thought to be as a result of genetic factors. Cancer of the stomach may not show any specific symptoms in the early stages. When the signs eventually occur it is usually after the cancer has metastasized. This is one of the reasons for its poor prognosis. Some of the early symptoms include indigestion, heartburns and loss of appetite particularly for meat. Late symptoms include pain or discomfort in the abdomen, vomiting and nausea and diarrhea or constipation. Other signs of this disease are bloating of the stomach especially after meals, weakness and fatigue as well as weight loss. Blood in the stool is another red flag for the disease. Gastroscopic exam where a fiber optic camera is inserted in the stomach to visualize is one of the methods used to diagnose the disease. Computed tomography (CT) scan is another method used in diagnosing the disease. This type of cancer is difficult to cure unless it is detected in the early stages. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are used in the treatment this type of cancer.

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