Genetic Predisposition Testing for Gastric Cancer

If the cancer starts in the glandular tissue it is called adenocarcinoma, and up to 95 percent of people have this type of cancer – whereas if the cancer started in the lymphatic system or sarcomas then it is called lymphomas.

Causes

Even though scientists are not sure what causes gastric cancer, there are a number of issues that can increase your risk of getting the disease, such as:

• Men are more susceptible than women at developing the disease
• Risks increases if you are Asian or African-American
• Common in South America, parts of Central America, former Soviet Union and Japan
• Blood type A
• Between ages of 70-74
• Gastric cancer in family history
• Drinking alcohol, smoking, high salt intake, foods preserved with nitrate, low intake of vegetables and fruits
• Helicobacter pylori bacterium
• Prior stomach surgery, gastritis that is chronic, gastric polyps, pemicious anemia, and intestinal metaplasia
• Exposure to asbestos, processing of timber and rubber, nickel refining, and coal mining

Symptoms of gastric cancer

There are only a few symptoms at the beginning of gastric cancer which could be:

• Discomfort in the stomach and indigestion
• Feeling bloated after eating
• Form of mild nausea
• No appetite
• Heartburn

If you have a peptic ulcer then you could have similar symptoms. If any of these symptoms occur visit your doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Other symptoms can be experienced, but not until the cancer has grown in size. Theses symptoms are:

• Abdomen discomfort in middle or upperparts
• Blood in the stools
• Vomiting of blood or just vomiting
• Loss of weight
• Feeling bloated after eating
• Mild anemia causing fatigue or even weakness

Diagnosed

A physical examination given by your doctor will detect any advanced gastric cancer. They might find an enlarged liver or lymph nodes; abdomen could have increased fluid, or when giving an examination of the rectal there could be lumps in the abdomen.

Screening tests might be needed if you have vague symptoms like indigestion, loss of weight or appetite. These tests may be:

• Upper GI by drinking a solution of barium so the stomach is outlined for a better viewing on the X-ray
• Gastroscopy and a biopsy are done when a gastroscopy is run from the mouth to the stomach – if any abnormalities are found then some tissues from the area are removed as a biopsy.

Treatment

In order to treat gastric cancer there may have to proceed with a combination of treatments such as:

• Gastrectomy surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

Prognosis

When gastric cancer is found at an early stage it is easier to cure. The diagnosis is usually not made until the cancer has advanced since there are few symptoms. Symptoms can be experienced with advanced gastric cancer and it can be treated.