INTRODUCTION (: on stomach cancer
The stomach is a muscular bag with a capacity of about 1 liter or quart. It lies along the digestive tract between
the esophagus and the small intestine. The stomach serves as a reservoir for food eaten during meals and begins the process
of digestion. Its inner walls are composed of glands that secrete acid and digestive enzymes.
The most common form of cancer that affects the stomach is adenocarcinoma, which arises in the glands of the innermost
layer of the stomach. This tumor tends to spread through the wall of the stomach and from there into the adjoining organs
(pancreas and spleen) and lymph nodes. It can spread through the bloodstream and lymph system to distant organs (metastasize).
if u are experiencing some of these symptoms, you are in danger !!
Stomach Cancer Symptoms
- Early symptoms of stomach cancer tend to be vague and nonspecific. Seek medical attention if you have any of the following
symptoms:
- Mild upper abdominal discomfort associated with nausea and loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing because of a tumor involving the upper part of your stomach, near the esophagus
- Feeling of fullness after taking only a small amount of food
- The following symptoms may indicate advanced disease:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Overt blood loss - Vomiting blood or a material that looks like coffee grounds or passing black stools
- Severe nausea and vomiting - A late symptom caused by blockage of the stomach drainage by the enlarging cancer
Stomach Cancer Treatment
The treatment of stomach cancer depends on the results of tests and your overall
health.
- People with advanced heart and lung disease may not tolerate aggressive therapy.
- In many cases, the stomach cancer may have advanced too far for any available
treatment to work.
- You will require surgery to be cured. Your stomach is removed entirely, and your
esophagus is attached to your small intestine.
- Surgery may relieve symptoms of obstruction. The upper end of your stomach is
connected to your small bowel, bypassing the area of obstruction.
- Companion treatment with either chemotherapy or radiation may improve your survival following surgery.
- After your stomach has been removed, your doctor will monitor your disease
with repeat CT scans of your abdomen and gastrointestinal endoscopy to make sure the cancer does not return.
some important notes**
Stomach cancer mostly affects older people – two-thirds of people who have it are
over age 65. Your risk of getting it is also higher if you
- Have had a Helicobacter pylori infection
- Have had stomach inflammation
- Are a man
- Eat lots of salted, smoked, or pickled foods
- Smoke cigarettes
- Have a family history of stomach cancer
It is hard to diagnose stomach cancer in its early stages. Indigestion and stomach
discomfort can be symptoms of early cancer, but other problems can cause the same symptoms. In advanced cases, there may be
blood in your stool, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, jaundice or trouble swallowing.
Because it is often found late,
it can be hard to treat stomach cancer. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination.
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