Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, occurs when malignant tumors develop in the stomach and have the potential to spread to other organs. Certain types of stomach tumors exist.
Types
There are five main types of stomach tumors: adenocarcinoma (the most common), lymphoma (in the immune system tissue of the stomach wall), leiomyosarcoma (in the stomach muscle layer), gastrointestinal stomal tumors (in digestive organ tissue) and carcinoids (in hormone-producing stomach tissues).
Causes
Stomach cancer can possibly be caused by factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, high salt intake and obesity. However, the exact causes of stomach cancer still remain unknown.
Symptoms
Stomach cancer symptoms include indigestion, bloated feeling or feeling full too easily after eating, loss of appetite and heartburn. However, since stomach cancer is asymptomatic in its early stages, diagnosis could be delayed.
Diagnosis
The best course of action is to see your doctor. Your physician can conduct a thorough medical review of your past health history and present health state, as well as evaluate stomach cancer risk factors. Blood tests, imaging tests and endoscopy procedures are often administered.
Treatment
The three main methods of treatment are surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Treatment, however, varies from one patient to another due to age, cancer location and health state.
Prevention
To decrease your chances of getting stomach cancer, eat lots of fruit and vegetables and exercise regularly.
Tags: health state, stomach cancer, stomach tumors, types stomach tumors
