A person with gastric cancer often experiences several gastric cancer symptoms. Most symptoms are nonspecific but may include bleeding or ulcers. The patient may also experience anaemia, which is a sign of anaemia. Other symptoms may include early satiety and vomiting. These symptoms may also be associated with other stomach conditions, such as esophageal reflux disease or pancreatitis. To determine the stage of the disease, a person with gastric cancer should consult a doctor.
People with a history of stomach cancer are at higher risk. Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer is caused by a mutation in the CDH1 gene. Other causes of gastric cancer include gastrointestinal stromal tumors, which arise from specialized cells in the stomach or intestines. Lymphomas, which occur when immune cells called lymphocytes multiply in the body, may develop in the stomach walls.
While stomach cancer is more common in men, symptoms are similar in both sexes. It is believed that high-preserved food, such as smoked fish, pickled vegetables, and salted meat, increase the risk of the disease. Genetics also play a role. Genetics, such as CDH1 gene mutation, are strongly associated with stomach cancer risk. However, genetic risk is still unknown in most cases.
As with other forms of cancer, some stomach cancer symptoms are often mistaken for those of other illnesses. However, they are often a sign of another condition. During a physical exam, these symptoms can include a full, swollen, or painful stomach. Often the pain may be mild and temporary or will intensify. Some people will also experience nausea or vomiting after a meal. If these symptoms are present, you should see a doctor immediately. Even if they are just bothersome, treating them early may prevent further complications from developing.
Other gastric cancer symptoms include dysphagia, anaemia, and weight loss. Symptoms may indicate a cancer type, stage, or aggressiveness. Although most symptoms of gastric cancer are non-specific, they may provide important information about the progression of the disease. Patients with symptoms may require surgery to remove the tumor. If the cancer is detected early, the symptoms may be indistinguishable from the signs of benign dyspepsia.
Surgery and chemotherapy are the most common treatment options for stomach cancer. A surgeon may remove part or all of the stomach and nearby lymph nodes to stop its progression. Chemotherapy and radiation are other treatments for stomach cancer. Chemotherapy can shrink the tumor before surgery. If the cancer spreads beyond the stomach, chemoradiation can kill the cancer cells. While gastric cancer is a serious condition, treatment options vary widely.
Surgery is the most common treatment for gastric cancer, although chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used to remove large tumors. Early detection is crucial to a patient’s recovery. However, gastric cancer can recur after treatment. To avoid this, it is important to identify any possible symptoms as soon as possible. Once diagnosed, gastric cancer is best treated. It is not a disease that can be prevented, but treatment for early stages is essential.
Besides blood tests, doctors may also order a biopsy of stomach tissue to check for any signs of cancer. A biopsy is a surgical procedure whereby a sample of stomach cells is examined under a microscope. If the physician suspects stomach cancer, the sample may need to undergo further diagnostic procedures. A CT scan, for example, uses x-rays and a computer to produce images of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
If you suspect that you might have gastric cancer, your doctor will likely refer you to a team of doctors who specialize in the condition. These doctors will diagnose the condition and prescribe treatment. In addition to gastroenterologists, you will likely see a surgeon, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. Your doctor may also recommend a registered dietitian or an oncology nurse. Regardless of the diagnosis, the following gastric cancer symptoms can be indicative of gastric cancer.
Gastro-intestinal bleeding is considered a prognostic symptom, but there is no definitive link between it and survival. In some cases, patients may experience haemorrhage during the early stages of the cancer, but this does not indicate a connection between the stage and the symptoms. It is also possible that patients may experience several co-occurring symptoms. This research suggests that it is still important to understand the relationship between gastric cancer symptoms and the stage of the disease.
The main therapeutic treatment for stomach cancer is surgery. There are three major types of surgery to treat gastric cancer. The first type involves removing the affected part of the stomach and surrounding lymph glands, and then rejoining it to the intestine below. Robotic surgery is the most recent and sophisticated technique used to treat stomach cancer. It can save a person’s life, but it is also very complex and expensive. This procedure is not always possible.
