No cause has so far been attributed to cause stomach cancer, however, epidemiological studies has shown a strong correlation between a diet high in smoked, salted and pickled foods.
Similarly other risk factors include a positive family history of stomach cancer, blood group A, Helicobacter pylori infection, history of adenomatous gastric polyp, atrophic gastritis, decreased gastric acid secretion, history of pernicious anemia, chronic smoking, low intake of fruits and vegetables.
There are different types of gastric cancer:-
Adenocarcinoma – the most common type and accounts for about 90 percent of all gastric cancers.
Lymphoma – this is not a common form of gastric cancer and is due to the immune system cells of the stomach becoming cancerous.
Carcinoid – this is again a rare type of gastric cancer wherein hormone producing cells becomes cancerous
Gastrointestinal stromal cancer – this is the rarest form of gastric cancer wherein certain specific gastric nervous system cells becomes cancerous.
Gastric cancers generally do not show any symptoms. Symptoms appear after the cancer spreads to other part of the body.
Symptoms of gastric cancer are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, heartburn, loss of appetite, abdominal fullness, too much belching, frequent stomachache, weight loss, difficulty in swallowing, blood in vomit, premature abdominal fullness after meals and general deterioration of health.
Blood in stool and blood test showing anemia are the signs of gastric cancer. Gastric cancer is diagnosed after medical history followed by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy of the lesion during procedure. Histopathological examination of the biopsy is done to check for cancer tissue. Other tests are upper GI series (barium roentgenogram) and computerized tomography (CT scan).
Treatment depends upon the stage of the cancer, its size, location, extent, and general health of the person. Surgery is the best option for gastric cancer.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy after surgery has better outcome. When surgery is not possible chemotherapy and radiation therapy help in symptomatic relief.
If tumor has spread to other sites in the body then it cannot be cured, treatment is given only to relieve the symptoms.
Screening for gastric cancer, taking plenty of fruits and vegetables, avoiding salty and smoked foods, and avoiding smoking may reduce the risk of gastric cancer.
Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and the intestine caused by viruses or bacteria or their toxins
