Stomach Cancer: Do not ignore these symptoms

by admin | September 2, 2020 11:52 am

The stomach is an important organ in the digestive system[1]. Located on the left side of the body in the upper abdominal region, the stomach secretes acids and enzymes required to digest food. Food moves from the mouth into a narrow ‘food pipe’ or oesophagus from where it reaches a muscular, bag-like structure, which is the stomach. The oesophageal sphincter, at the upper end of the stomach, acts as a valve and allows the food into the stomach. A muscular tissue called Rugae line the inside of the stomach. The Rugae contract periodically to churn the food. Subsequently, the food enters the small intestine through a valve, at the lower end of the stomach, called as Pyloric sphincter.

There are various ailments that can affect this vital organ and one of them is stomach cancer. Stomach cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer and affects people of all ages and socio-economic groups. It is good to know more about this ailment so that preventive action or timely medical help can be taken.

Types of Stomach cancers

Causes and Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer

Cancer[2] in general is a condition in which an abnormal mutation occurs in the cells’ DNA. The mutation causes the cell to grow, divide rapidly and continue living at the expense of normal cells which may die. In the process, a tumour is created and it starts spreading within the body. Cancerous cells can break off from the tumour and spread far and wide within the body. When the above process is localized to the stomach, we have the above 3 types of cancers. However, it’s not clear what causes such behaviour or why stomach cancers develop.

There are certain risk factors which can act as triggers for the cancer formation.

Lifestyle related Causes:

Genetic causes:

Other ailments and conditions which might cause Stomach Cancer

Other Risk factors

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Symptoms of stomach cancer may mimic other conditions such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), gastritis[4] or peptic ulcer which may delay detecting the condition earlier. If you or any of your near and dear suffer from the following symptoms repeatedly, or for longer durations of time, consult a doctor[5] and ask for stomach cancer screening.

Stomach cancer develops over different stages and the patient may suffer one or more of the following symptoms.

Diagnosis

Also Read: What is endoscopy? What are the different types of endoscopy?[7]
Also Read: Tests to diagnose stomach problems[8]

Stomach cancer treatment

Treating stomach cancer has two purposes: one is to destroy the cancerous tissue completely and secondly, to prevent its spread to lungs, lymph nodes, bones and liver. Depending on which stage the cancer is at currently, treatment options include:

Conclusion

Stomach cancer can be successfully treated when detected in the early stages. Watch out for any of the symptoms and do not take them lightly. Consult your family physician[12] and discuss these symptoms with him/her. Needless to say, he/she will refer you to the right doctors or institution, for a successful treatment and rehabilitation.


Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801

Endnotes:
  1. digestive system: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/blog/good-living/how-to-maintain-a-healthy-digestive-system/
  2. Cancer: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/centers-of-excellence-and-specialties/oncology-introduction
  3. Stomach ulcers: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/blog/k-way-health/does-stress-cause-ulcers/
  4. gastritis: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/blog/k-way-health/stomach-flu-or-gastroenteritis/
  5. consult a doctor: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/Centers-of-Excellence-and-Specialties/Oncology
  6. heartburn: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/blog/k-way-health/cardiology/is-it-heartburn-or-a-heart-attack/
  7. What is endoscopy? What are the different types of endoscopy?: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/blog/k-way-health/what-is-endoscopy-what-are-the-different-types-of-endoscopy/
  8. Tests to diagnose stomach problems: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/blog/k-way-health/tests-to-diagnose-stomach-problems/
  9. Surgery: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/Centers-of-Excellence-and-Specialties/Surgical-Oncology
  10. Chemotherapy: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/Centers-of-Excellence-and-Specialties/Medical-Oncology
  11. Radiation therapy: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/Centers-of-Excellence-and-Specialties/Radiation-Oncology
  12. family physician: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/doctors/chennai/family-physician

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