Stomach cancer (also called gastric cancer) can develop in any part of the stomach and may spread throughout the stomach and to other organs; particularly the esophagus and the small intestine.

Stomach cancer is often asymptomatic or causes only nonspecific symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms occur, the cancer has generally metastasized to other parts of the body, one of the main reasons for its poor prognosis. Stomach cancer can cause the following signs and symptoms:

Early

·         Indigestion or a burning sensation (heartburn)

·         Loss of appetite, especially for meat

Late

·         Abdominal pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen

·         Nausea and vomiting

·         Diarrhea or constipation

·         Bloating of the stomach after meals

·         Weight loss

·         Weakness and fatigue

·         Bleeding (vomiting blood or having blood in the stool), which can lead to anemia

To find the cause of symptoms, the doctor asks about the patient's medical history, does a physical exam, and may order laboratory studies. The patient may also have one or all of the following exams:

·         Gastroscopic exam is the diagnostic method of choice

·         Upper GI series (may be called barium roentgenogram)

·         Fecal occult blood test is obsolete except possibly as a screening test; a negative test proves nothing and a positive result may result from a large number of other conditions beside gastric carcinoma.

Like any cancer, treatment is adapted to fit each person's individual needs and depends on the size, location, and extent of the tumor, the stage of the disease, and general health. Cancer of the stomach is difficult to cure unless it is found in an early stage. Treatment for stomach cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.

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