Description An abnormal growth ...
Description
An abnormal growth of cells in the stomach. The most common type of cancer comes from the cells that produce mucous in the stomach and is called adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma of the stomach is more common in some countries (such as Japan) than in the United States. Other types of stomach cancer include lymphoma, carcinoid tumor, and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). A diet low in fruits and vegetables, family history of stomach cancer, pernicious anemia, Helicobacter pylori infection, blood type A, smoking, and gastric polyps increase the risk of acquiring this cancer. These cancers can be very serious and a patient's ability to survive this disorder depends on the type of cancer and the size and spread of the tumor when it is discovered.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, dark stools, difficulty swallowing, excessive belching, general decline in health, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, premature abdominal fullness after meals, unintentional weight loss, vague abdominal fullness, vomiting blood, weakness or fatigue.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. The following tests may be ordered to diagnose gastric cancer: esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and upper GI series. Complete Blood Count (CBC) and a test for blood in the stool also are done to determine how much blood loss the cancer may have caused.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), CT Scan, Upper GI series
Other Specific Tests: esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), stool test and upper GI series
Do I need this test?
For pharmacological treatment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), long-term acid suppression therapy (proton pump inhibitors or histamine2 receptor antagonists) should be titrated to the lowest effective dose needed to achieve therapeutic goals. The main identifiable risk associated with reducing or discontinuing acid suppression therapy is an increased symptom burden. It follows that the decision regarding the need for (and dosage of) maintenance therapy is driven by the impact of those residual symptoms on the patient's quality of life rather than as a disease control measure.
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Surgical Oncology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. The following tests may be ordered to diagnose gastric cancer: esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and upper GI series. Complete Blood Count (CBC) and a test for blood in the stool also are done to determine how much blood loss the cancer may have caused.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), CT Scan, Upper GI series
Other Specific Tests: esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), stool test and upper GI series
Do I need this test?
For pharmacological treatment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), long-term acid suppression therapy (proton pump inhibitors or histamine2 receptor antagonists) should be titrated to the lowest effective dose needed to achieve therapeutic goals. The main identifiable risk associated with reducing or discontinuing acid suppression therapy is an increased symptom burden. It follows that the decision regarding the need for (and dosage of) maintenance therapy is driven by the impact of those residual symptoms on the patient's quality of life rather than as a disease control measure.
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Surgical Oncology
Treatment
Treatment consists of surgical removal of the tumor and/or stomach, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.