Because of its rarity, there is no single risk factor that causes stomach cancer. However, some people may inherit certain gene mutations from their parents. These inherited syndromes account for only a small percentage of stomach cancers worldwide. If you suspect that you may be at risk, it is important to see your doctor to get tested. Listed below are some risk factors for stomach cancer.
A biopsy, or sample of tissue, may reveal a cancer in the stomach. It is done through a small incision in the abdominal wall and includes a thin, lighted tube. Other instruments may also be used. Some doctors may also take tissue samples or cells from the organs that were removed to detect the cancer. In some cases, treatment is dependent on these results. For instance, a patient with a stomach cancer may be undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
If symptoms do not show up for several years, you may have stomach cancer. Because stomach cancers grow slowly, many people do not receive a diagnosis until it is advanced. Some symptoms include swallowing problems or discomfort. A family physician can refer you to a gastroenterologist or a surgeon specializing in the digestive tract. Appointments are typically short and simple, so make sure you’re prepared for what you’ll be asked.
The types of stomach cancer vary in terms of where it starts. Adenocarcinomas, for example, start in the gland cells of the inner stomach and progress into other layers of the stomach wall. Adenocarcinomas are the most common form of stomach cancer and account for approximately 90% of all cases. GISTISTs are composed of several types. Each has a different outlook, treatment, and diagnosis. Once diagnosed, your doctor will tell you what stage your cancer is in and give you a treatment plan.
Stomach cancer may be removed surgically or by other treatments, including targeted drug therapy and chemotherapy. Surgical procedures may include subtotal or total gastrectomy. Radiation therapy, in contrast, is an alternative treatment that uses radioactive rays to kill cancer cells. Though radiation therapy is not commonly used in stomach cancer treatment, it may be used to treat advanced tumors or to shrink the tumor before surgery. It should be noted, however, that patients with stomach cancer should consult their doctors periodically for several years after surgery.
The incidence of stomach cancer varies by ethnicity. Hispanic and African Americans are more likely to develop it than whites or non-Hispanic people. In Canada, the incidence of stomach cancer is around 4,000 people per year. It is most common in people aged over 45 and higher among Hispanic, African, and Native American ethnicities. While the incidence of stomach cancer is similar across the world, it is more prevalent among Hispanic, African, and Asian/Pacific Islanders. Most people with stomach cancer develop it after age 50, but this is not true in every case.
