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Stomach cancer may be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other common digestive problems. However, it is important not to dismiss any symptoms if they last for more than two to three days at a time. The best course of action when symptoms are chronic is to visit a physician for a complete examination. more »
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 21,130 people will be diagnosed with stomach cancer in the United States in 2009. Another 10,620 will die from stomach cancer the same year. However, there are methods of treatment. The three most common types of treatment for stomach cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. more »
Stomach cancer ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer worldwide, with more than 900,000 cases diagnosed each year. Despite its pervasiveness, the American Institute for Cancer Research estimates that 47 percent of stomach cancers may be prevented by making certain lifestyle changes. more »
Nutrition is all about getting the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidents that you need to stay healthy. There are certain bad habits that actually prevent these vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from doing their jobs. To prevent stomach cancer, you need to quit smoking and drinking alcohol and drugs must also be avoided. Not only do... more »
A reported 22,400 cases of stomach cancer occurred in the United States in 2003. Of these, 12,100 resulted in death. Smoking-related stomach cancer cases occurred in 28 percent of men, and 14 percent of women.
Stomach cancer is most commonly associated with the growth of a bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori... more »
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Stomach cancer can cause anemia, problems with digestion, abdominal pain and unintentional weight loss. Stomach cancer is more common in men than... more »
Although stomach cancer is a severe and potentially life-threatening disease, there are treatments and options available to those who suffer from... more »
Stomach cancer is fairly uncommon in pets, though it appears to be more common in male pets than in females. Stomach cancer can be diagnosed by... more »
The precise reason that stomach cancer develops is not known. But, the American Cancer Society does make recommendations about how to prevent this... more »
Gastric (stomach) cancer is a type of cancer that can develop in any part of the stomach. Stomach cancer is among the five most common cancers... more »
| ICD9
| ICDO
| OMIM 137215
| MedlinePlus
| eMedicineSubj med
| eMedicineTopic 845
| MeshID D013274
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Stomach or gastric cancer can develop in any part of the stomach and may spread throughout the stomach and to other organs; particularly the esophagus, lungs and the liver. Stomach cancer causes about 800,000 deaths worldwide per year."WHO">
Signs and symptoms
Stomach cancer is often asymptomatic or causes only nonspecific symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms occur, the cancer has generally metastasized to other parts of the body, one of the main reasons for its poor prognosis.
Stomach cancer can cause the following signs and symptoms:
Early
*Indigestion or a burning sensation (heartburn)
*Loss of appetite, especially for meat
Late
*Abdominal pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
*Nausea and vomiting
*Diarrhea or constipation
*Bloating of the stomach after meals
*Weight loss
*Weakness and fatigue
*Bleeding (vomiting blood or having blood in the stool) which will appear as black. This can lead to anemia.
*Dysphagia; this feature suggests a tumor in the cardia or extension of the gastric tumor in to the esophagus.
These can be symptoms of other problems such as a stomach virus, gastric ulcer or tropical sprue and diagnosis should be done by a gastroenterologist or an oncologist.
Causes
Infection by Helicobacter pylori is believed to be the cause of most stomach cancer while autoimmune atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and various genetic factors are associated with increased risk levels. It is not currently believed that diet has any role to play."Merck-1">
In more detail, H. pylori is the main risk factor in 65–80% of gastric cancers, but in only 2% of such infections."GVRF-4"> Approximately ten percent of cases show a genetic component. In Japan and other countries bracken read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stomach+cancer
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