- Cancer in The Stomach Wall - ecureme.com
Stomach cancer has a variety of causes and is, if caught early, easily cured. Stomach cancer occurs when the lining of the stomach wall begins to change due to changes within its cells. Because the stomach is responsible for digestion, one of the first signs of cancer is persistent indigestion.
Causes of Stomach Cancer
It is thought that diet plays a huge role in preventing stomach cancer as does lifestyle. Some causes that need to be taken into account include:
- lack of fresh fruit and vegetables
- smoking
- consuming too much junk food
- stress
- excessive alcohol consumption
- helicobacter pylori infection
- gastric reflux
- excessive salt and red meat
- too much processed and smoked foods
- age (afflicts people between 40-60)
- sedentary lifestyle
- other gastric problems
- being overweight
Symtoms and Treatment of Stomach Cancer
It is possible to have the early stages of cancer and not have any symptoms until the disease is more pronounced. It is also important to remember that digestive problems within itself does not mean cancer – most symptoms turn out to be something far less sinister. Nevertheless, the following signs should be seen to by a doctor:
- weight loss
- heartburn and excessive wind
- bloating and loss of appetite
- reflux and difficulty swallowing
- feeling or being sick
- stomach cramps and pain
- tiredness and lethargy
- bleeding (shows in vomit/stools)
- fluid in the abdomen
- anaemia
- dark stools
- lump in stomach area
Diagnosis of stomach cancer depends on various tests to confirm the disease and these can include:
- blood tests
- various scans including CT and MRI
- physical examination
- endoscopy (camera is placed into stomach to check it)
- biopsy
- special X- Rays
Once a diagnosis has been made, a consultant will make a decision on the best course of treatment depending on the size, position and growth of the cancer. The most common form of treatment is surgery to remove part of the stomach. Surgery can also employ the use of lasers for tumours that are smaller and more localized. If the cancer has spread very badly or is very aggressive, then sometimes the only option is to remove the stomach completely.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are only offered after surgery if the surgeon feels that it is necessary. Surgery within itself can be all that is required. It takes time to recover from surgery and will mean a restricted diet for the first six months. Having part of the stomach removed is similar in some respects to a gastric band – the stomach is smaller meaning that patients are unable to eat as much as they did before surgery.
Non surgical means of treatment are chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There is currently a new treatment being tested called ‘Biological Therapy’. Biological therapy involves the use of specialized antibiotics that are injected into the stomach wall to prevent further growth of cancer cells.
Long term prognosis is good if the surgery was a success. The patient will require a change in the diet and lifestyle habits and over time, the stomach will return to normal.
Sources:
www.bupa.co.uk ‘Stomach Cancer’ (accessed May 2010)
www.cancerhelp.org.uk ‘Stomach Cancer Symptoms (accessed May 2010)
www.netdoctor.co.uk ‘Stomach Cancer’ (accessed May 2010)
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