Stomach cancer is common worldwide and affects all races, it is more common in men than women, and its peak age range between 40 and 60 years. Mortality is higher in Japan and Chile, presumably because of different diets in those countries where they are less dependent on red meat.
During the past 25 years the incidence of these cancers in the western world has decreased by 50%, resulting in the death rate is less than a third of what it once was, but in less developed countries it is still cause of death, probably because that in these countries by the time the disease is diagnosed (usually by barium meal) gastric cancer at a very high level.
Type of gastric cancer
There are several different types of stomach cancer, some of which are very types begin in glandular cells of stomach lining, this is where stomach acid and digestive enzymes are, and where most cancers begin. When the tumor becomes advanced, it can travel through the bloodstream and spread to organs like the liver, lungs and bones. Cancer that starts in lymphatic tissue (lymphoma), stomach is muscular tissue (sarcoma) or in tissues that support organs of the digestive system are rare and treated in different ways.
Signs and symptoms
Early traces of stomach cancer are chronic dyspepsia and discomfort, and then in the later stages of weight loss, anorexia, feeling of fullness after eating, anemia and fatigue. Blood in the stool can be present if the cancer is in the vomiting may occur.
Causality
The exact cause is unknown, although the presence of the Helicopter pylori bacterium seems to be a major factor. Predisposing factors include environmental impacts, such as smoking and high alcohol intake. Because stomach cancer is more common among those with family history and the people with blood type, genetic factors are also involved. Dietary factors, particularly methods of food preservation such as pickling, smoking or salting also have an impact on the frequency.
DIAGNOSTICS
Stomach cancer is diagnosed through an exam that can include upper gastrointestinal (GI) series, endoscopy or where a thin flexible tube is passed down your throat so the doctor can see into the stomach, esophagus and upper part of the bowel Barium meals and barium swallows. Because the cancer can spread to the liver, pancreas and other organs near the stomach, and lung, the doctor may order a CT scan, PET scan, endoscopic ultrasound examination or other tests to check these areas.
Of cancer can spread (metastasize) to the esophagus or small intestine, and can spread through the stomach wall, nearby lymph nodes and organs. Metastasis occurs in 80-90% of people with stomach cancer, five-year survival rate of 75% in those diagnosed at an early stage, and less than 30% of those diagnosed in later stages.
TREATMENT
Although cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, in many cases surgery is the treatment of choice. Even patients whose disease is not considered surgically curable, resection offers a palliative effect and improves the potential benefits of chemotherapy.
The nature and extent of the cancer determines what kind of surgery is most appropriate. Common surgical procedures include partial and complete removal of the stomach.
Can control nausea, which increases as the cancer progresses. In advanced stages, sedatives and tranquilizers may be needed to control anxiety. Narcotic drugs are usually necessary to control sever and unremitting pain.
In some cases of advanced gastric cancer, the laser beam is directed through an endoscope can vaporize most of the tumor and relieve obstruction without surgery.
Stomach cancer is curable if detected early, but most people do not seek medical help until the disease is quite advanced, possibly because symptoms occur late and are often vague and non-specific. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidant vitamins (such as A and C), appears to reduce the risk of breast cancer about doubled in smokers, so smoking cessation is essential.
In the United States and most of the Western world, a 5-year survival ranges from 5-15%. In Japan, where stomach cancer often is diagnosed early, 5-year survival rate is about 50%. Five years survival rates for advanced gastric cancer ranges from about 20% for those with regional disease is almost nil for those with distant metastases.
Treatment of metastatic stomach cancer can relieve symptoms and sometimes prolong survival, but long remissions are not inoperable stomach cancer is usually only a few months if left untreated. With chemotherapy the average survival is about 12 months. If the cancer is found before it spread to five years in relation to the survival rate is about 61 %.
