Stomach cancer, which is cancer that develops in the stomach, is the most curable form of cancer – when it is caught early. However, symptoms of early stage stomach cancer are generally hard to detect. This contributes to stomach cancer being termed one of the silent killers. In most cases, individuals with early stage cancer will experience occasional bloating, nausea, or heartburn and assume that the culprit is eating the wrong types of food.

True, the foods and beverages we consume may produce these symptoms. Most discomfort eventually lessens without treatment. Thus, it is understandable when a person does not associate these symptoms with a more serious condition. Stomach or abdominal pain is caused by an array of illnesses and ailments. In fact, a large number of patients visit their doctor’s offices with mysterious or sudden abdominal problems.

Tests generally rule out serious conditions such as cancer, and pinpoint the problem as constipation, ulcer, acid reflux, indigestion, and so forth. Nonetheless, individuals who experience abdominal discomfort for more than seven days should consult a physician to rule out a serious, potentially life-threatening illness.

The three early symptoms of stomach cancer include:

• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Loss of Appetite

Indigestion

Indigestion is an underlying cause of many stomach ailments including gallbladder disease, acid reflux, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and so forth. Individuals may experience indigestion from eating too fast or eating too much food. In addition, consuming many alcoholic beverages could result in indigestion. Those who suffer from chronic indigestion may worsen the condition with tobacco use. Symptoms of indigestion include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, vomiting, and acidic taste in mouth.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a painful or burning feeling that begins under the breastbone and may spread into the throat. In addition, heartburn sufferers may experience a sour or acidic taste. Those who experience occasional heartburn should not worry. In fact, it is estimated that more than half the population experience some level of heartburn once a month. Meanwhile, 15% of the population has severe pain that requires medication. Individuals with heartburn should be aware that this condition does not necessary point to cancer. Other conditions such as acid reflux or eating spicy foods may result in heartburn.

Loss of Appetite

Experiencing occasional loss of appetite is no reason to be concerned. Often, daily worries and concerns may decrease a person’s appetite. Moreover, those who lead busy lives may forget to eat a meal. However, those who notice a major change in their appetite, and who exhibit one or both of the previous symptoms should visit their physicians to be screen for stomach cancer.

Once stomach cancer has advanced, symptoms may include:

• Blood in Stool
• Vomiting
• Weight Loss
• Abdominal Pain
• Fatigue

What is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer begins with the development of abnormal cells in the abdomen. As the cells continue to grow, a mass or tumor forms. Initially, the tumor is small, thus symptoms are not always present in the early stages. However, as the tumor is allowed to grow, victims may gradually experience more tell-tale signs of a problem. Left untreated, the cancerous cells may spread to organs and other parts of body. The survival rate of cancer that is detected in the early stages is high. The stomach is a huge organ, thus small tumors and cancerous growth can usually be killed or removed before the cancer starts to spread.

Causes of Stomach Cancer

The cause of stomach cancer has many researchers and physicians puzzled. Similar to other diseases, stomach cancer appears to be a random illness with little specified causes. However, researchers have been able to pinpoint a few similarities between those who develop this form of cancer. Factors that may increase risk of stomach cancer include:

• African-American males over the age of 50
• Suffer from ulcers or other gastric conditions
• Exposed to toxins
• Heredity
• Environment (smoking, diet)

Diagnosis

In order to accurately diagnose stomach cancer, patients must visit a gastroenterologist. The physician will perform an examination which includes a series of X-rays, and order a stool test. Blood in the stool is a sign of advanced stomach cancer. The X-rays will supply images of the intestines and the stomach. This will help doctors determine whether a tumor is present.

Treatment Options for Stomach Cancer

Surgery: The most effective treatment option for stomach cancer is surgery. The sooner the cancer is discovered, the better the chances of making a full recovery. Surgery is effective because tumors or cancerous cells are removed from the stomach, thus preventing their growth or spread. Treatment of stomach cancer depends highly on the location, size, and stage of the tumor. Some forms of stomach cancer are inoperable, and physicians must choose alternative treatment options. Stomach surgery to remove cancer may consist of:

• Partial Gastrectomy: Only the area of the stomach that contains cancerous cells is removed.

• Total Gastrectomy: The entire stomach is removed, and the esophagus is re-attached to the small intestine.

In situations where stomach cancer is inoperable, chemotherapy and radiation treatments are possibilities. Additionally, after a patient undergoes successful surgery, chemotherapy may be necessary to prevent the re-growth of cancerous cells.

Chemotherapy: This is a drug that is intended to stop the growth of cancer cells, and kill existing cells. Chemotherapy is administered orally or through an IV, and travels through the bloodstream. In the case of stomach cancer, there are methods to administer chemotherapy directly into the abdomen using a thin tube. Chemo is an outpatient procedure that may be recommended before and after surgery.

Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high energy X-rays to stop the growth of cancer cells and shrink tumors. Prior to surgery, a patient may undergo a round of radiation treatment. Patients who undergo radiation therapy are required to receive treatment five days a week for five to six weeks. This is an outpatient procedure, thus it is not mandatory that patients remain in the hospital. However, patients in the advance stages of cancer, or who experience complications may have to stay in the hospital for a few days until their condition improves.