What is stomach cancer?Stomach cancer happens when normal cells in the stomach change into abnormal cells and grow out of control. The stomach is part of the digestive system. There are different kinds of stomach cancer, depending on the type of cells and part of the stomach involved.Some people who get stomach cancer have a condition called "H. pylori" infection. H. pylori is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach and intestines. Infection with H. pylori sometimes causes symptoms such as belly pain, bloating, nausea, or vomiting. If it is not treated, it can lead to stomach cancer.
What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?At first, stomach cancer might not cause any symptoms. When stomach cancer causes symptoms, they can include:
Weight loss
Belly pain, especially in the upper belly
Trouble swallowing
Having no appetite, or feeling full after eating a small amount of food
Nausea
Feeling tired or short of breath (from a condition called "anemia," which is when people have too few red blood cells)
All of these symptoms can also be caused by conditions that are not stomach cancer. But if you have these symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse.
Is there a test for stomach cancer?Yes. Tests for stomach cancer can include:
Upper endoscopy – A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the mouth and down into the stomach to examine the stomach lining.
Biopsy – A sample of tissue is taken during endoscopy and examined under a microscope.
Blood tests
Imaging tests like a CT scan – These provide pictures of the inside of the body.
Doctors also check for H. pylori infection using biopsy, breath tests, blood tests, or lab tests.
What is cancer staging?Cancer staging is a way doctors find out if a cancer has spread past the tissue layer where it began and how far it has gone.The right treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer and your overall health.
How is stomach cancer treated?Stomach cancer is usually treated with one or more of the following:
Surgery to remove part or all of the stomach
Chemotherapy – Medicines that kill cancer cells or stop their growth
Radiation therapy – Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
Immunotherapy – Helps your immune system fight cancer
Stomach cancer can sometimes be cured, especially if found early. If it can’t be cured, treatments can help reduce symptoms.If you have H. pylori infection, your doctor will treat it with a combination of medicines (usually 3 or more) for 1 to 2 weeks. This treatment won't cure cancer but may help reduce the risk of it coming back.4o
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