STOMACH CANCER

General Information

DEFINITION--Uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the stomach. Unfortunately, most people do not have symptoms until the disease is advanced. The incidence of stomach cancer has decreased about 50% over the last 25 years, perhaps due to diet changes. It is a common disorder in Japan.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Stomach.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Adults over age 40 and is twice as common in men as women

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Early stages:

• Vague symptoms of indigestion, such as fullness, burping, nausea and poor appetite.

Later stages:

• Unexplained weight loss.
• Vomiting blood.
• Black stools.
• Fullness after eating small amounts.
• Anemia.
• Pain in the upper abdomen.
• Mass in the upper abdomen that can be felt (sometimes).

CAUSES--Unknown. Some evidence suggests that a lack of fresh fruits and vegetables may be a factor.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Males over age 40.
• Family history of stomach cancer.
• Pernicious anemia.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Chronic gastritis.
• Absence of normal stomach acid, previous stomach surgery or partial stomach removal.
• Diet that includes many smoked, pickled and salted foods; low amounts of protein and low amounts of fresh fruits and green, leafy vegetables.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Don't ignore symptoms of indigestion that last more than a few days.
• Eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet.
• Decrease alcohol consumption if you drink more than 1 or 2 drinks a day.
• Examine stool yearly or more often with home tests for blood in the stool.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory blood studies for anemia, stomach tests for acid and stool tests for bleeding.
• Surgical diagnostic procedures such as biopsy through a gastroscope (See Glossary).
• CT (See Glossary) and x-rays of the stomach, esophagus and small intestine.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to remove part or all of the stomach is the recommended treatment if the cancer has not spread.
• Anticancer drugs (chemotherapy) treatment may achieve a temporary response.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Internal bleeding.
• Misdiagnosis as a stomach ulcer (symptoms are similar).
• Fatal spread to liver, bones and lungs.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--This condition is currently considered incurable. The 5-year survival rate is low even with treatment. Scientific research into causes and treatment continues, so there is hope for increasingly effective treatment and cure.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• The more you can learn and understand about this disorder, the more you will be able to make informed decisions about where to go for your care, the treatments available, the risks involved, side effects of therapy and expected outcome.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Anticancer drugs (sometimes).
• Pain relievers.

ACTIVITY--As tolerated by your energy level.

DIET--After surgery, you will probably require a modified diet. Ask your doctor or consult a dietician for menu planning.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of stomach cancer.
• Indigestion occurs after surgery and does not respond to medication in a few days.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.