Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer arises as a malignant ulcer in the lining of the stomach. This is also called gastric cancer. Stomach cancer is the second most common cause of cancerous deaths and the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world.

Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of gastric cancer and it can be classified into intestinal and diffuse types. In intestinal adenocarcinoma the cells are arranged in tubular or glandular pattern. Intestinal adenocarcinomas are further classified as tubular, papillary and mucinous. Diffuse adenocarcinomata lack any kind of structural formations. They infiltrate the gastric walls and this condition is called Linitis Plastica.

Causes Of Stomach Cancer

Gastric cancer is a multifactorial disease and the exact cause remains unknown. The various risk factors are:

H. pylori bacterial infection
Male gender
Smoking and alcohol consumption – upper part of the stomach closer to the esophagus
Salt-rich foods
Processed meat, red meat and pickled vegetables – nitrates and nitrites in meat get converted by certain bacteria into H. pylori
Obesity
GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease coupled with obesity and resulting in gastric cardia adenocarcinoma
Iodine deficiency
Genetics – this is rare but some types of diffuse cancers develop from the inherited CDH1 gene
Menetrier disease or giant hypertrophic gastritis
Adenomatous polyposis – familial
Chronic atrophic gastritis
Low consumption of fruits and vegetables
Blood group : the most common blood type affected is group A

Symptoms Of Stomach Cancer

Bloating of the stomach after eating
Nausea and vomiting or vomiting blood
Indigestion and discomfort in the stomach – upper or middle abdomen
Heart burn
Weight loss
Weakness or fatigue along with mild anemia

Stomach Cancer Diagnosis

Gastroscopy

A gastroscope is a fibre optic camera fitted tube which is inserted into the stomach to visualize and examine it. Any abnormal tissue found is removed and examined under the microscope. A biopsy is the best method to detect cancer.

Upper GI Series

This is also called a barium x-ray. Once the barium solution is ingested, x-rays of the stomach, esophagus and intestine are taken to look for abnormalities.

CT Scan

A computed tomography helps in examining the stomach and its adjacent tissues.

To know more about conditions and treatments of Stomach Cancer

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Know Dr. Patta Radhakrishna

Dr.Patta Radhakrishna is a renowned Surgical Gastroenterologist and a Laparoscopic Surgeon in Chennai.

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