Doctors
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About the condition
Cancer cells that form in the tissue lining of the stomach. Stomach cancer is also known as gastric cancer. It is a common cancer worldwide especially in some Asian countries. There are several types of stomach cancer.
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Causes of the condition
The exact cause remains unknown. However, it is known that a high-salt diet, lack of Vitamin C and a bacterium named Helicobactor pylori are risk factors. Certain health conditions may also increase the chances of stomach cancer.
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Signs & Symptoms
• Indigestion or discomfort at the upper abdomen
• Heartburn after meal
• Bloated feeling after eating
• Difficulty swallowing
• Losing appetite
• Weight loss
• Black-coloured stools
• Tiredness due to anaemia
• Feeling full after small meals
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Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosis
Endoscopy or barium x-ray of the gastrointestinal tract
Treatment
The choice of treatment will depend on the stage and type of cancer, position of cancer, patient’s age and general health. Gastrectomy surgery, radiotheraphy or chemotherapy are the different treatment options available.
Surgery is the most common treatment for gastric cancer especially when the tumour is confined to the stomach.
Total gastrectomy surgery is done when the entire stomach needs to be removed.
Partial gastrectomy surgery is done when part of the affected stomach is removed.
Radiation therapy can be used before the surgery to shrink the tumour. It can also be used after the surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often combined with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy can result in diarrhea, indigestion, nausea and vomiting.
Chemotherapy can be used before the surgery to shrink the tumour. It can also be used after the surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells. The chemotherapy drug type is dependent on the type of cancer.
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