Cancer of Stomach - Adenocarcinoma Type
Stomach cancer (Gastric cancer) is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the stomach.
Cancer of the GE (gastro-esophageal) junction can be categorized as either esophageal or stomach cancer.
Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection of the stomach.
- Chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach).
- Pernicious anemia.
- Intestinal metaplasia (a condition in which the normal stomach lining is replaced with the cells that line the intestines).
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or gastric polyps.
- Eating a diet high in salted, smoked foods and low in fruits and vegetables.
- Eating foods that have not been prepared or stored properly.
- Adenocarcinoma of the stomach is more common in Asia, partly related to digestion of preserved food
- Being older or male.
- Smoking cigarettes.
- Having a mother, father, sister, or brother who has had stomach cancer.
Common symptoms include:
- Stomach pain, gastritis
- Anemia- low red blood cell count
- Loss of appetite (anorexia), and/or nausea and vomiting, Significant weight loss
If there is a suspicion of esophagus cancer, you may be referred to the Department of Gastroenterology for EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and possible EUS (endoscopic ultrasonography), with consideration of a biopsy.
Other tests may also be ordered, including CT scan of the abdomen and as well as evaluation for H. Pylori and other liver function tests. PET scan may also be ordered.
Referral:
- Once a diagnosis of cancer has been confirmed, you will be referred to surgery for further evaluation.
- You may be referred to medical oncology before the surgery, to discuss possible role of additional treatment.
Treatment of adenocarcinoma of the stomach:
- Very Early stage stomach cancer is treated by surgery alone.
- Most patients may require chemotherapy and radiation therapy after surgery.
- Some patients may be treated with chemotherapy first, followed by surgery, then more chemotherapy.
