The main cause of stomach cancer is a genetic mutation (change) in the cells of the stomach , which causes the cells to grow rapidly and eventually form a tumor. Risk factors that can increase a person’s chance of getting stomach cancer include: Family history. Smoking.
How do you get stomach cancer?
Upper endoscopy (also called esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD) is the test most often done if the doctor thinks you might have stomach cancer. During this test, the doctor passes an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible, lighted tube with a small video camera on the end, down your throat.
What are the early warning signs of stomach cancer?
- Poor appetite.
- Weight loss (without trying)
- Abdominal (belly) pain.
- Vague discomfort in the abdomen, usually above the navel.
- Feeling full after eating only a small meal.
- Heartburn or indigestion.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting, with or without blood.
Why do you get stomach cancer?
Most of the gene changes that lead to stomach cancer occur after birth . Some of these acquired mutations might be caused by risk factors such as H pylori infection or tobacco use. But other gene changes may just be random events that sometimes happen inside cells, without having an outside cause.
Can stomach cancer be cured?
When gastric cancer is found very early, there is a better chance of recovery. Gastric cancer is often in an advanced stage when it is diagnosed. At later stages, gastric cancer can be treated but rarely can be cured .
What are 7 warning signs of cancer?
- Change in bowel or bladder habits.
- A sore that does not heal.
- Unusual bleeding or discharge.
- Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere.
- Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
- Obvious change in a wart or mole.
- Nagging cough or hoarseness.
How long can stomach cancer go undetected?
As the cancer progresses, the symptoms that do appear can be misdiagnosed as normal gastrointestinal issues. As a result, stomach cancer can go undetected for years before the symptoms become concerning enough to warrant diagnostic testing.
Can a person live a normal life without a stomach?
It may be surprising to learn a person can live without a stomach . But the body is able to bypass the stomach’s main function of storing and breaking down food to gradually pass to the intestines. Absent a stomach, food consumed in small quantities can move directly from the esophagus to the small intestine.
How would you know if you have stomach cancer?
- Biopsy. ...
- Molecular testing of the tumor. ...
- Endoscopy. ...
- Endoscopic ultrasound. ...
- X-ray. ...
- Barium swallow. ...
- Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. ...
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
When should I be concerned about stomach cancer?
Unfortunately, stomach cancer often shows no outward signs or symptoms in the early stages. However, if you experience any of the following, you should talk with your doctor: Indigestion or a burning sensation (heartburn) Discomfort or pain in the abdomen .
What can be mistaken for stomach cancer?
Misdiagnosing Stomach Cancer
Consequently, stomach cancer may be confused with the following conditions: Irritable bowel syndrome . A condition that affects the lower gastrointestinal tract and causes abnormal bowel movements and abdominal pain. Indigestion.
How quickly does stomach cancer grow?
Stomach cancer is a slow-growing cancer that usually develops over a year or longer . Generally, there are no symptoms in the early stages (asymptomatic). As the disease progresses, a variety of symptoms can develop.
What foods cause stomach cancer?
A diet high in salty and smoked foods. A diet low in fruits and vegetables . Family history of stomach cancer. Infection with Helicobacter pylori.
Does anyone survive stomach cancer?
| SEER stage 5-year relative survival rate | Distant 6% | All SEER stages combined 32% |
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Where Does stomach cancer spread first?
The most common place for stomach cancer to spread is to the liver . It can also spread to the lungs, to lymph nodes or to the tissue lining the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
How serious is gastric cancer?
If the cancer is diagnosed and treated before it has spread outside the stomach, the 5-year survival rate is 70% . If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or organs and/or the regional lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is 32%.
