The stomach is part of the digestive system. It is located in the upper abdomen, under the ribs. The upper part of the stomach connects to the esophagus, and the lower part leads to the small intestines.
Stomach cancer (also called Gastric Cancer) can develop in any part of the stomach and may spread throughout the stomach and to other organs. It may grow along the stomach wall into the esophagus or small intestines. It also may extend through the stomach wall and spread to nearby lymph nodes, and to organs such as the liver, the pancreas, and colon. Stomach cancer may also spread to distant organs, such as the lungs, lymph nodes above the collar bone, and the ovaries.
Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer can be hard to find early. Usually there are no symptoms in the early stages and, in many cases, the cancer has spread before it is found. When symptoms do occur, they may be so vague that the person ignores them. Stomach cancer can cause:
* Indigestion or a burning sensation (heartburn)
* Discomfort or pain in the abdomen
* Nausea or vomitting
* Diarrhea or constipation
* Bloating of the stomach after meals
* Loss of appetite
* Weakness and fatigue
* Bleeding (vomitting blood or having blood in the stool)
Any of these symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious health problems, such as a stomach virus or an ulcer. Only a doctor can tell the cause. The patient may be referred to a gasroenterologist a doctor who spealizes in diagnosing and treating digestive problems.
Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer
To find the cause of symptoms, the doctor will ask about the patients medical history, a physical exam, and may order laboratory studies. The patient may also have one of the following procedures done:
* Upper GI Series- x-rays of the esophagus and stomach (the upper gastrointestinal, or GI tract). The x-rays are taken after the patient drinks a barium solution, a thick chalky liquid. The barium outlines the stomach on the x-rays, helping the doctor find tumors or other abnormal areas.
* Endoscopy- an exam of the esophagus and stomach using a thin, lighted tube called a gastroscope, which is passed through the mouth and the esophagus into the stomach. The patients throat is sprayed with a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort and gagging. Through the gastroscope, the doctor can look directly at the inside of the stomach. If an abnormal area is found, the doctor can remove some tissue through the gastrosope. Another doctor, a pathologist, examines the tissue to check for cancer cells.
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