Having stomach cancer can be one of the scariest experiences you’ll ever face, but it is possible to know when you’re at risk. Here are some of the most common signs that you might have stomach cancer.
GERD
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition in which stomach contents flow backward into the esophagus. When it occurs on a frequent basis, it can be quite painful. If left untreated, it can lead to esophageal cancer.
According to experts, the best way to find out if you have GERD is to see your doctor. He or she will examine your symptoms and discuss your risk factors. The doctor may also perform a screening for esophageal cancer. Detecting the disease at an early stage can greatly improve your outcomes.
Another way to find out if you have esophageal cancer is by doing a barium swallow test. A radiologist will take pictures of you swallowing a barium-coated liquid. The results can be used to help your doctor determine if you have Barrett’s esophagus, the type of esophagus that’s been shown to be linked to esophageal cancer.
Gastritis
Symptoms of stomach cancer can vary from person to person. The best way to find out if you have the disease is to go to your doctor and get tested. Your doctor will be able to help you with your treatment plan. Usually, you will have surgery to remove the cancer. However, you may also be prescribed medication to treat your condition.
You can also find out if you have cancer by having an endoscope inserted into your throat and stomach. An endoscope consists of a thin, flexible tube with a camera and an ultrasound probe attached. The device looks at your mouth, throat and stomach, examining the digestive tract from all angles.
Peptic ulcers
Those who have ulcers are at a higher risk for stomach cancer. There are many different causes of ulcers, but most of them are caused by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori.
The infection can cause a number of problems, including gastritis and esophagitis. In some cases, it can spread to other areas of the digestive system and even the lymph system. Some people are not affected by this infection. However, it is still possible for it to cause ulcers.
If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be associated with peptic ulcers, you should get them checked by a doctor. Your doctor can also check for other risk factors.
Lymphomas
Symptoms of stomach cancer and lymphomas include pain in the abdomen, enlarged lymph nodes, and breathing problems. Depending on the type of cancer, surgery and chemotherapy may be needed to treat the disease.
There are many types of lymphomas. A few of the most common are Hodgkin’s, non Hodgkin’s, and leukemia. A patient’s risk of developing this condition depends on factors such as age, gender, and family history. Other risk factors include obesity, chemical exposure, and infection. The most common forms of these cancers are found in adults, but they can affect children as well.
Invasive lymphomas involve the lymph nodes and other nearby tissues or organs. This is usually diagnosed by a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of tissue for study by a pathologist. Surgical procedures to remove the affected areas are often performed before radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Chemoradiation
Having stomach cancer is a real pain, so the best way to cope is to take steps to reduce your odds of surviving the ailment. The good news is that there are several treatments for this devilish disease. Some are purely medicinal, while others will require you to undergo a number of treatments before you can expect to get your appetite back. The latter category is by far the most common.
The aforementioned chemo treatments will be followed by the aforementioned surgery. After which you may well be on your own, but if you are lucky you might just be one of the 20% of patients that live for a full year post-diagnosis.
Symptoms of advanced stomach cancer
Symptoms of advanced stomach cancer include feeling swollen, full, and having difficulty swallowing. Patients also may vomit blood. Some patients also have dark, sticky feces.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately. They can help you determine if you have stomach cancer or another disease. They may be able to find out if you have an ulcer or a virus. They can also help you choose a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with stomach cancer, your doctor may recommend that you undergo surgery. They will remove the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue. They will also remove any nearby lymph nodes.
