Stomach Cancer: Symptoms and Risk Factors

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Stomach cancer is also known as gastric cancer which is a buildup of abnormal cells that form a mass in part of the stomach.

The majority of people diagnosed with stomach cancer either already have metastasis or eventually develop it. Metastasis occurs when the cancer spreads from the area in which it first develop.

Around 90 to 95 percent of all stomach cancers are a type referred to as adenocarcinoma of the stomach. In this type, the cancer develops from the cells that form the mucosa, the most superficial lining of the stomach that produces mucus.

Symptoms of stomach cancer:

There are several symptoms associated with stomach cancer. However, as they also exist in many other less serious conditions, gastric cancer may be difficult to recognize at first.
It is for this reason that so many people with stomach cancer are not diagnosed until the disease is already advanced.
Early symptoms of stomach cancer may include:
  • a sensation of being very full during meals
  • swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia
  • feeling bloated after meals
  • frequent burping
  • heartburn
  • indigestion that does not go away
  • stomachache, or pain in the breastbone
  • trapped wind
  • vomiting, which may contain blood
The following signs and symptoms should be seen as urgent in people at increased risk of developing stomach cancer:
  • dysphagia
  • indigestion, combined with unexpected weight loss, vomiting, or anemia, as well as fatigue and breathlessness
People aged over 55 years who develop persistent indigestion should see their doctor.
Individuals who develop indigestion and have at least one of the following in their medical history should also see a doctor:
  • a close relative who has/had stomach cancer
  • Barret's esophagus
  • dysplasia, or an abnormal collection of typically precancerous cells
  • gastritis, or inflammation of the lining of the stomach
  • pernicious anemia, where the stomach does not absorb vitamin B12 properly from food
  • a history of stomach ulcers
When the stomach cancer becomes more advanced, the following signs and symptoms typically become more apparent:
  • a buildup of fluid in the stomach, which may cause the stomach to feel "lumpy"
  • anemia
  • black stools that contain blood
  • fatigue
  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss

Risk factors causing stomach cancer:

The main risk factors for gastroesophageal junction cancer are a history of GERD and obesity.
Factors that increase your risk of stomach cancer located in the stomach body include:
  • A diet high in salty and smoked foods
  • A diet low in fruits and vegetables
  • Eating foods contaminated with a fungus called aflatoxin
  • Family history of stomach cancer
  • Infection with Helicobacter pylori
  • Long-term stomach inflammation
  • Pernicious anemia
  • Smoking
  • Stomach polyps
I am Debolina from West Bengal, India. I am a computer science engineer and love to write blogs.

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