Stomach cancer is when cancerous cells in the stomach lining grow and multiply out of control. They may also spread to other parts of the body. The cancer can start in the tissues of the inner lining, or it can start in the muscle that surrounds the lining. It is one of the most common cancers in the world and it can affect people from all backgrounds and ages. The symptoms of the disease can vary but they tend to appear over time. If you are worried about a stomach tumor, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
The stomach is part of the upper digestive system and is responsible for storing food, breaking it down and sending it on to the lower digestive tract. It can also be a source of irritation or inflammation. Symptoms of the disease can include difficulty swallowing (dyspepsia), weight loss, indigestion, nausea and vomiting. The disease is more likely to develop in older people and it is more common in men.
It is not known what causes most cases of stomach cancer. But it is thought that most start when something hurts the inside lining of the stomach, which can be caused by many things such as infection with a type of bacteria called H. pylori, long-term acid reflux and eating too much salty food. Some people who have cancer in the lining of their stomach have a genetic mutation that makes them more likely to get it, but this does not explain all cases of the disease.
Doctors usually diagnose the disease at an early stage, before it starts to cause symptoms, when they carry out tests. They will take a sample of the stomach lining, which they will then examine under a microscope to look for signs of cancerous cells. If they find any, they will arrange further tests. This can involve a thin tube with a camera (an endoscope) being passed into the mouth and down the throat, then into the stomach to look for abnormal tissue. They will also check the blood flow to the stomach, as well as the lymph nodes and bone marrow in the area.
If the cancer is at an early stage, surgery might be able to cure it, or help relieve symptoms. They might also give you chemotherapy or radiation, depending on the type of cancer you have. They might also use a medicine that stops the growth of new cancer cells, such as methotrexate or oxaliplatin.
If the cancer has spread to other parts of the stomach or into the lungs or liver, it is harder to treat and might not be cured. You might be given medicine to reduce the spread of the cancer, such as a drug that prevents the blood supply from reaching the tumour, or a special radiotherapy machine. They might also give you a stent, which is a thin metal tube that keeps the stomach open to allow food and water to enter the intestines.
