Stomach cancer

Description of gastric cancer

Stomach cancer is a disease, wherein the developing gastric cancer cells. Stomach cancer can occur in any part of it, and spread to other organs through growth tumor, blood or lymphatic system.

There are five layers of stomach tissue. The inner layer is called the mucosa and its tumor accounts for about 90% to 95% cases of gastric cancer. This type of tumor called adenocarcinoma.

Less common types of stomach cancer:

• Lymphoma – cancer of the immune system;
• Tumors of the stomach wall;
• Carcinoid tumor – tumors of hormone-producing cells of the stomach.

It is believed, that the development of stomach cancer takes several years. Before the advent of gastric cancer develop various precancerous changes, that rarely cause symptoms. Therefore, most cases of stomach cancer at first go unnoticed and are found in the later stages of the disease.

Causes of stomach cancer

The cause of stomach cancer is unknown. Studies show, that there are certain risk factors, Related Disease.

Risk factors for gastric cancer

Factors, which increases the risk of stomach cancer:

• Age: senior 50 years;
• Paul: It occurs twice as often in men, than in women;
• Helicobacter infection;
• Nutrition:
  • Consumption of large quantities of smoked, salt, pickled food and meat, foods with high starch content and low fiber;
  • The absence of some vegetables in the diet (Garlic chives, onion, chives, leek);
• Smoking;
• Alcohol abuse;
• Previous stomach surgery;
• Zlokachestvennaya anemia;
• The folds of the gastric mucosa;
• Barrett's esophagus;
• Blood Group A;
• Family history of cancer syndromes: hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer and familial adenomatous polyposis (SAP);
• Family history of stomach cancer;
• Polyps of the stomach.

The symptoms of stomach cancer

These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious diseases. If you experience any of them, should see a doctor.

• Stomach upset, heartburn;
• Pain or discomfort in the abdomen;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Diarrhea or constipation;
• Bloating or feeling of heaviness in the stomach after eating;
• Loss of appetite;
• Weakness, fatiguability;
• Blood in the vomit or stool;
• Chair predominantly black or tarry color;
• Unintentional weight loss;
• Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

In some cases, stomach cancer may be asymptomatic.

Diagnosis of gastric cancer

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood tests;
• Fecal occult blood test;
• X-rays of the upper digestive tract – perform X-rays of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the initial part of the small intestine);
• Endoscopy – test, wherein an instrument with a light source at the end of the esophagus to study (throat), stomach and upper small intestine;
• Biopsy – removal of a sample of stomach tissue, to examine it for cancer cells;
• US – examination, which uses sound waves to study the stomach;
• CT scan – X-ray views, wherein the computer is used, to make pictures of structures inside of the stomach;
• PET scans – test, allowing to take pictures, that show activity in the tissues of the body.

Treatment for stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is most often detected late stages vbolee. After cancer detection survey is conducted, allowing to determine the extent and scope of its distribution. The treatment method depends on the stage and extent of disease.

Treatment methods for gastric cancer include:

Surgery for stomach cancer

Surgery is the most common treatment for stomach cancer. Type of surgery depends on the stage of the disease. There are three types of stomach surgery:

• Endoscopic mucosal resection – surgery is usually performed in the early stages, when the tumor is removed through an endoscope;
• Partial Gastrectomy – removal of the lower part of the stomach, after which the remaining part joins the esophagus and the small intestine;
• The total gastrectomy – removal of the entire stomach. The procedure often involves the removal of surrounding lymph nodes. The esophagus is linked directly to the small intestine.

Radiation therapy for cancer of the stomach

Radiation therapy – the use of high-energy rays, to kill or reduce the cancer. Radiation therapy can be administered after surgery, to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Comprehensive treatment of gastric cancer

In cases, when the stomach cancer has spread, chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy can increase the risk of survival and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Preparations for the chemotherapy may be given in various forms: tablets, injection, the introduction of a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, killing mostly cancer, and also some healthy cells.

Prevention of gastric cancer

Заболеваемость раком желудка значительно снизилась за последние 60 years, mainly due to dietary factors. It is believed, This plays a rather significant role transition from salty and pickled products to chilled (Cold is used to store products). Prevention of gastric cancer includes:

• Avoid diet high in salted, pickled and smoked products;
• Potreblyayte, at least, five servings of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains per day;
• It is necessary to limit the intake of red meat;
• Do not smoke;
• Limit your alcohol intake.