Learn More About The Causes and Symptoms of Gastric Cancer

When a cancer develops in the stomach lining of a person, this is known as gastric cancer. It’s also commonly referred to as stomach cancer. There are two main forms of cancer. They are differentiated by the part of the stomach that they affect. Gastric cancer in the main portion of the stomach is typically just referred to as stomach or gastric cancer. However, when cancer occurs at the junction point of the esophagus to the top of the stomach, this is referred to as gastroesophageal junction cancer. Good news for many is that gastric cancer rates seem to be on the decline in the main area of the stomach. Unfortunately, this decline has also correlated to a corresponding increase in gastroesophageal cancer. In order to seek early treatment, knowing the risk factors and symptoms of gastric cancer makes sense! The earlier treatment begins, the better the chances of beating cancer. 

Causes and Risk Factors

The specific causes of cancer aren’t known at the most basic level in most cases. Cells mutate and then they grow and spread. This rapid rate of growth is how cancerous tumors grow and invade portions of the body. As cells break off, cancer spreads. However, there are also many risk factors that are associated with gastric cancer. 

There has been shown to be several factors which increase risk. Obses people and those who suffer from GERD are more likely to get gastric cancer. In addition, diet plays a role. A lack of fruits and vegetables and a diet high in smoked or salted foods will also be a warning sign in terms of gastric cancer. People who smoke or have a family history should also be on the alert for signs of gastric cancer. Finally, people who suffer from certain infection, stomach polyps or stomach inflammation can be further at risk. 

Symptoms of Gastric Cancer

There are a variety of different symptoms that can indicate someone is suffering from gastric cancer. Many of these symptoms can also be seen for a large number of smaller issues. Therefore it’s best to discuss with your doctor any symptoms that show up. Some of the symptoms of gastric cancer include: 

• Fatigue - Gastric cancer can cause serious and extended levels of fatigue. 
• Bloating - People will feel bloated after eating and feel full after eating only a very small amount of food. 
• Heartburn - People will feel heartburn and indigestion persistently. It’s also a very severe form. 
• Pain - People with gastric cancer will likely suffer from rather high levels of stomach pain. 
• Nausea and Vomiting - An unexplained and persistent nausea is likely. Some people will continue to vomit on a regular basis. 
• Weight Loss - Specifically, this is an unexplained and unexpected weight loss. Sudden unexplained shifts in weight are rarely good. 

Treatment of Gastric Cancer

Cancer typically has four different stages. This is the case with gastric cancer. Stage 1 is the least invasive, while stage 4 indicates that the cancer has spread throughout the body to other areas. Treatment will typically be centered around which stage of gastric cancer a person has. 

Treatment options are pretty similar to some other cancers. Chemotherapy is commonly used in an attempt to eliminate cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be targeted at the affected area of the stomach. There are also medications and drugs which will work to try to reduce the growth of cancerous regions. In cases where the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body, it’s very common to use surgery to remove the cancerous region. The goal is to remove the cancer and a small buffer of healthy tissue, then hopefully reknit the stomach to be functional. In severe cases, the entire stomach can be removed, with the esophagus simply connected straight to the small intestine.