What Causes Stomach Cancer And What Are The Symptoms
Posted by admin on 01/24/10 in Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is more readily treated when caught early. Unfortunately, by the time stomach cancer causes symptoms, it’s often at an advanced stage and may have spread beyond the stomach. Yet there is encouraging news. You can reduce your risk of stomach cancer by making a few changes in your lifestyle. It is hard to diagnose stomach cancer in its early stages. Indigestion and stomach discomfort can be symptoms of early cancer, but other problems can cause the same symptoms. In advanced cases, there may be blood in your stool, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, jaundice or trouble swallowing.
Stomach cancer is more common in developing nations, while becoming less common in Western countries including Australia. At present, stomach cancer is still the fourth most common cause of death from cancer. There appear to be two types of gastric (stomach) cancer. Cancer of the stomach, or gastric cancer, is a disease in which stomach cells become malignant (cancerous) and grow out of control, forming a tumor. Almost all stomach cancers (95%) start in the glandular tissue that lines the stomach. The tumor may spread along the stomach wall or may grow directly through the wall and shed cells into the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Once beyond the stomach, cancer can spread to other organs.
Cells from malignant tumors can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Cancer cells spread by breaking away from the original tumor and entering the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. The cells invade other organs and form new tumors that damage these organs. The spread of cancer is called metastasis. There are about 9,000 new cases of stomach cancer diagnosed every year and it’s more common in men, particularly in late middle age. Stomoch cancer is on the decrease and is now about half as common as it was 30 years ago.
Causes of Stomach Cancer
Tobacco and alcohol use. Tobacco use can irritate the stomach lining, which may help explain why smokers have twice the rate of stomach cancer that nonsmokers do. Alcohol has been associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer, but the link between the two isn’t clear.
Type A blood: Blood type groups refer to certain substances that are normally present on the surface of red blood cells and some other types of cells. These groups are important in matching blood for transfusions. For unknown reasons, people with type A blood have a higher risk of getting stomach cancer.
Cancer can either be malignant or benign. Benign cancer is curable, meaning that there is some medical way of being able to provide a curing solution to the cancer-hit part of the body. On the other hand, malignant cancer is a lot more serious since this means that cancer has developed into something complicated where medical resources have close to lesser chances of medicinal resolution.
People who have pernicious anaemia (an autoimmune condition where the lining of the stomach becomes thin, less acid is produced and anaemia develops due to lack of vitamin B12), atrophic gastritis, or a hereditary condition of growths in the stomach are at a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.
A diet high in salt and nitrates and low in vitamins A and C increases the risk for stomach cancer. Other dietary risk factors include food preparation (e.g., preserving food by smoking, salt-curing, pickling, or drying) and environment (e.g., lack of refrigeration, poor drinking water). A diet high in raw fruits and vegetables, citrus fruits, and fiber may lower the risk for stomach cancer.
Stomach polyps may become cancerous (malignant) and are thus removed. Adenocarcinoma of the stomach is particularly likely to develop if the polyps consist of glandular cells, if the polyps are larger than ¾ inch (2 centimeters), or if several polyps exist.
Exposure to certain dusts, molds, fumes, and other environmental agents at home or in the workplace has been linked to a higher than average risk of stomach cancer.Some experts believe that smoking might increase stomach cancer risk.
Consultant surgeon Sukhbir Uhbi explains who’s most at risk of stomach cancer, the questions to ask if you’re diagnosed and the treatment options.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Question by Magdalena W: Stomach Cancer?
Hi,
I’ve had stomach pains for awhile, sometimes even after I eat. Its a dull ache that turns into intense short sharp pains, and in a few minutes I will be in the bathroom having diarrhea. I used to think it was milk and being lactose intolerant, but I sometimes get diarrhea and intense stomach pain even with having no trace of dairy!
I don’t have it everyday, but jsut about everyday my stomach either hurts or feels uncomfortable.
I’m also very weak and tired a lot.
I went to my doctor, and she ordered a blood test. But i have a stupid very intense fear of them, and CANNOT do them even with valium! I even cry! I feel ashamed for acting that ridiculous..she was only going to test for diabetes, thryoid, and anemia I think
Anyway, does this sound like stomach cancer at all? And how do they test for it?
I’m only 14, by the way if that matters.
I just wanted some peoples opinions if it even sounds close to cancer.
Thanks!
This is another symptom I have…..I get numb…nauseated…dizzy…tingly in the feet…a lot as well
that was tingly* and numb in the feet/hands
I did not say I thought I had cancer, I was just curious people…because my family has had a lot of history with cancer, 5 closely related relatives have cancer right now…
Not saying that means I have it, but I was just wondering if symptoms were even related to stomach cancer.
But thanks for the people replying who tried to help.
Best answer:
Answer by Catcanscratch
QUIT WORRYING!!!!
Ok now…….If you are 14 it probably is not stomach cancer!!!
You might have IBS like me….Let your Dr. FULLY check you out so you can feel better….
Good luck sweetie!!!
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
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LinkinParkHotspur | Jan 24, 2010 | Reply
@metoo702 I have a feeling that some doctors know why. And certainly the FDA knows why.
vasios | Jan 24, 2010 | Reply
My grandmother diagnosed ca stomach…she live only 18days from the diagnwsh…the only symptom was anemia…….only anemia is a basic symptwm for worry someone ? Does nobody knows?……
sckaan | Jan 24, 2010 | Reply
my sister was diagnosed with stomach cancer at the age of 33, once diagnosed, she underwent surgery where the dr opened her up and closed her up without removing the tumor. They gave her 2 days-2 weeks to live…she lived for 4 weeks.
irontera86 | Jan 24, 2010 | Reply
this hurts to watch this..my father died march 04 of this year. i cant believe it..he was 54 years old..
Eplayer777 | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
You can get stomach cancer :
1)genetic defects:cannot be control
2)type of food u eat: too much burn barbeque:can be control
3)Untreated stomach Ulcer:can be control
4)Stomach infections:
Note: Majority of health risk in USA is due to the lifestyle we live & the food we EAT!!!
esmaielmona | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
my neice was diagnosed with stomach cancer at the age of only 18. she was diagnosed with it 5 months ago after several visits to the hospital. the doctors kept on sending her home with gastro resistant tablets as they kept on saying it is only a stomach ulcer and on other occasions saying it is just a urine infection as she kept on getting chronic stomach pains and vomitting up coffee colour. the hospitals and doctors kept on fobing us off saying its nothing major. nhs is a disgrace!!
GameRelatedStuff | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
@NHSChoices what is the first signs of cancer in the stomach? can I have cancer at 21?
metoo702 | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
I was diagnosed with stomach cancer aged 33. Never smoked, only moderate drinker. No family history of it. Nobody can explain it – “I’ve just been unlucky…” This isn’t just a disease of the elderly – unfortunately more and more people under the age of 45 are getting this terrible disease and the docs have no real idea why.
metoo702 | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
Starting with the phrase “stomach cancer is a disease of the elderly” doesn’t sit well me as I was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 33, and I know of others diagnosed at even younger ages (24, 19). Yes, statistically most people will be over 50 but there are a disturbing number of young people getting this terrible disease. Stomach cancer in the upper part of the stomach (and also oesophageal cancers) are unfortunately on the increase in the western world.
choquita9 | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
how is your dad? Is he getting chemo? or how is he treating it?
My brother has this, he is 47.
NHSChoices | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
If you are experiencing any symptoms go and see your GP as soon as possible. If you are not registered with a GP you can go to your nearest NHS walk-in centre. To find your nearest service go to the NHS website and input your postcode in the Find and Choose Services search.
obsessedwithgoku | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
my dad has this. I can’t bear it
malkinthedangler | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
its probly just ulcer.. i got heartburn
c0smicx | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
Well this is interesting, my dad is 55 and has syvere stomach cramps etc atm.. Im hoping it is an ulcer or polyps.. he has a biopsy booked for two weeks time. Im worried for him and as he’is not used to hospitals etc he’s expecting the worse, which is being taken out on my family atm etc.. I hope alls well and this video is a good insight into stomach cancer i guess.. we all think the worst when these things occur.. here’s hoping all is well
)…
tapatiadecorazon | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
wow
buyusapint | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
thank you my husband has got a lymphonia in the stomach he is only 47
Kristin C | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
Unlikely to be stomach cancer at age 14. Sounds somewhat like irritable bowel syndrome. You seem quite anxious which plays a heavy role in IBS.
weezyljm | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
Ok kiddo – you have a very simple choice – a blubbering blood test to rule out DEADLY diseases… or get sick and die from lack of diagnosis. Which is it gonna be? Your choice? Get a grip. GO to the Doctor and have the tests done. The tests won’t kill you – but the lack of diagnosis and proper treatment will. It sounds to me as though you are anoxeric -possibly? Certainly neurotic – sorry – but the truth hurts.. in your case it may very well kill you – if you don’t seek treatment – soon. Be a grown up – do what you gotta do – take reponsibility for your health.
kelloggs_undertoe | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
Can you say hypochondriac?
one hot mamma | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
you’re overreacting. it sounds like IBS to me too
sergio d | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
Hi, I’m a doctor. Stomach cancer is extremely unlikely at your age, and besides, stomach cancer does not hurt! So, I’m almost sure you don’t have stomach cancer.
It sounds like gastritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach. You could do a trial of Prilosec OTC (sold in WalMart), taking 1 tablet of 20 mg twice daily for 14 days. If it’s gastritis you should see quick relief of symptoms within 1 or 2 days, especially the pain you experience.
However your symptoms seem to be more consistent with what is called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), where you have cramping, nausea and alternation of diarrhea or constipation at times (that means that sometimes you will be constipated and some other days you will have diarrhea). In IBS symptoms usually worsen during stressful periods and abate when there’s no stress. It is also worsened by eating spicy foods during the days you are having cramping.
It is also possible that you have associated lactose intolerance which is easy to know if after you eat dairy products you get diarrhea, cramping and bloating. So you could have both actually.
To address your concerns better, I would probably start taking Prilosec as above for 14 days and see how your symptoms do. It after this you continue with symptoms I would advise to have an EGD done, which is slipping a thin tube with a camera down your stomach and take a look inside. This is usually done by a gastroenterologist and you won’t feel anything. It is also the best way to know if you have an ulcer that might be causing your symptoms or even cancer (which I don’t think it’s likely in your case).
Hope it helps. Any further questions, mail me.
Take care.
brightnbewildered | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
I’m sorry you’re going through this. What you’re describing sounds like my first attack of IBS that I got this spring. The pain was so bad I even went to the E.R. because I was terrified.
Your symptoms will probably be diagnosed by your doctor as IBS, which is an annoying condition but not dangerous to your health. But you really, really need to get everything else ruled out first. (That’s what IBS is – a collection of symptoms you have when nothing else is found wrong with your body)
It is REALLY REALLY important that your doctor test you for Celiac Disease. Make SURE they do this. There is a simple blood test (I’m sorry, but it has to be done) but the blood test misses a lot of people. They may need to do a colonoscopy, where they check out the inside of your colon (don’t worry, it’s not surgery, but they do put you under so you’re comfortable). The most accurate test is just a diet change to see if it helps, but it is tricky and you’d need to go to celiac.com and make sure you do it right.
A lot of doctors don’t know a lot about Celiac because they used to think it was really rare, but recently they found the number is closer to 1 in 133 than 1 in 10,000 like they used to think. And the IBS symptoms plus tingling fingers and anxiety just scream “celiac!”. Your doctor might protest but you really need to insist you get it checked out. Just ask her “What can it hurt to check?”
If that’s what it is, you’d need to change your diet, but that’s pretty much it. And you could thank your lucky stars you found it early in life, because it does cause permanent damage if you don’t take care of it.
Check out http://www.celiac.com – there’s lots of info and also message boards where you can ask any questions you have. Also, the IBS board at webmd can give you lots of great advice on your symptoms – we’ve all been there!
Shaman | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
In addition to…………….get checked for B12 deficiency especially if you are a picky eater…………….
sOuL dOcToR | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
The regular use of the Homeopathic Remedy PULSATILLA 30 thrice a day half hour before meals will help you in curing your stomach symptoms a lot. Take it for three days atleast and let us know about its effcets on your tummy ache as well as you general health and do not worry it wont give you any complications or side effects, you can read more about it in the Materia Medica of Homeopathic Medicine by clicking the link below and match up your symptoms with those of the remedy. The more the similarities the more the reason to take the given remedy !
http://homeoint.org/books/boericmm/p/puls.htm
Take Care and God Bless you !
Get well soon !