Cancer Studies > Stomach Cancer > Gastric Cancer Symptoms
Gastric cancer is a disease affecting the stomach, an organ of the digestive system. Articles and resources discuss causes, prevention, symptoms, treatment and prognosis of the disease.
Gastric cancer is the second largest cause of deaths due to cancer all over the world. Gastric cancer is also known as stomach cancer. People of age above than 55 years are more likely to develop gastric cancers. Gastric cancer can develop in any part of the stomach. Stomach is the most important organ of the body from the digestive system point of view.
The food reaches the stomach through the esophagus, where it is converted into the liquid form for further digestion. It passes the liquid form of the food to the small intestine. It is made up of five layers- mucosa (inner layer), sub mucosa (support tissue for inner lining), muscle layer, sub serosa (support tissue for outer lining) and serosa (outer layer). Cancer developed in the cells that make up the stomach is known as gastric or stomach cancer.
Gastric cancer can spread to other parts of the body such as small intestine, esophagus, liver or lungs through the blood stream. A diet which is high in nitrates and salt and low in vitamin C and A is the major cause of gastric cancer. To avoid the risk of developing stomach cancer, we should take diet which has a good amount of fiber, raw fruits and vegetables and citrus fruits. Other factors which lead to the development of the tumor of gastric cancer are heavy smoking and obesity.
Gastric cancer shows no clear symptoms in its initial stage, but symptoms start appearing in it’s advanced stages. The gastric cancer symptoms which are noticed first of all are acidity and burping. Discomfort in the area of abdomen and stomach can be its major consequences. Internal bleeding can be major indicator of gastric cancer, which is tested only by a microscopic test which test for the blood in the stools. Anemia makes you feel tired, breathless and pale.
You may get a feeling of full up soon while eating your meals which results in unwanted weight loss and loss of appetite. Continuous weight loss may lead to several other serious problems. Other gastric cancer symptoms are diarrhea, fatigue and constipation. Other common gastric cancer symptoms include pain in the stomach or upper abdomen, blood clots in the legs and lungs, sickness and difficulty in swallowing.
Risk Factors for Developing Gastric Cancer
There are a number of factors that may indicate an increased risk of developing gastric cancer. These factors include:
- Age (the risk of developing gastric cancer increases with age)
- Smoking cigarettes
- Chronic gastritis
- Gastric polyps
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables and high in smoked and salted foods
- A family history of gastric cancer
- Gender (men are more likely to develop gastric cancer)
- A history of stomach disease
Gastric Cancer Symptoms
In the early stages of the disease, gastric cancer symptoms may include:
- A loss of appetite
- A bloated feeling that occurs after eating
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Nausea
As gastric cancer moves into the more advanced stages, possible symptoms may include:
- Blood in the stool
- Stomach pain
- Jaundice
- Trouble swallowing
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
Although these may be the result of other medical conditions, if you are experiencing any of these potential gastric cancer symptoms, it is important that you see your doctor. Only a medical professional can determine if these symptoms are the result of gastric cancer or another disease.
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