The exact cause of gastric cancer, which forms in tissues lining the stomach,
is unknown, but there are certain risk factors that may contribute to
why one person develops the disease and another does not. Risk factors
for gastric cancer are: age, sex, race, diet, helicobacter pylori infection,
smoking, certain health problems, and family history.
Symptoms of Gastric Cancer
Early stomach cancer often does not cause clear symptoms, but as the cancer
grows the most common symptoms include:
Discomfort in the stomach area
Feeling full or bloated after a small meal
Nausea and vomiting
Weight loss
If you have some of the above symptoms that suggest stomach cancer your
doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist, who specializes in diagnosing
and treating digestive problems.
Diagnosing Stomach Cancer
The physician will obtain your personal and family health history. Additional
blood or other lab tests may be done along with a physical exam, upper
GI series that consists of x-rays of your esophagus and stomach, endoscopy,
and biopsy. Through a biopsy the tissue is sent to a pathologist to check
the tissue for cancer cells.
Once diagnosis of gastric cancer is confirmed the doctor needs to know
the extent or stage of the disease. Additional tests may be ordered to
check this. Blood tests, chest x-rays, CT scan, endoscopic ultrasound,
or laparoscopy may be used to determine stage.
Treatment Options
Treatment options depend mainly on the size and place of the tumor, the
stage of disease, and your general health. Treatment may involve surgery,
chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. After diagnosis, a treatment plan
that is best for you will be decided up on by you and your physician.
Providing Hope Through Advanced Stomach Cancer Care
At Big Horn Basin Regional Cancer Center, our team is dedicated to diagnosing
and treating gastric cancer with precision, compassion, and the latest
medical advancements. Because early symptoms can often be subtle, we emphasize
timely evaluation and comprehensive care to give each patient the best
possible outcome.
Contact us today to learn more about gastric cancer treatment options in Cody, WY
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