What is carcinoma of the stomach?
Carcinoma of the stomach, or gastric cancer, arises from a malignant (causes harm) tumor (mass of tissue that develops when cells divide rapidly). The most common form of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in glandular cells). The primary location is the pyloric area ( the cone shaped bottom of the stomach that leads into the small intestines), because of the location it is easy for it to metastasize ( spread from one organ to another) to the esophagus, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, or the pancreas.
How can you get Carcinoma of the stomach?
Some factors that have been associated with this disease are injuries of the mucous membrane, autoimmune disease (when your body produces antibodies against your own tissues), or a repeated exposure to bile ( an alkaline fluid that aids in digestion), a history of polyps (a small growth protruding from a mucous membrane), pernicious anemia (a deficiency in the production of red blood cells), hypochlorhydria ( insufficient hydrochloride in gastric juices), of gastric ulcers ( a lesion in the lining of the mucous membrane).
What are some symptoms?
- Indigestion (pain or discomfort in the stomach associated with trouble digesting food)
- Feeling bloated after eating\
- Nausea ( the feeling of possibly vomiting)
- Loss of appetite
- Heartburn
In more severe cases some symptoms include
- Discomfort in the middle part of the abdomen
- Blood in stool, which looks black and tarry
- Vomiting blood
- Weight loss
- Weakness of fatigue ( extreme tiredness)
What is cancer of the esophagus?
Carcinoma of the stomach is when there is a malignant ( causes harm) tumor ( a mass of tissue caused by rapidly diving cells) in the esophagus. It is diagnosed as either squamous cell carcinoma ( it arises from the squamous cells that line the gastrointestinal tract) or adenocarcinoma, (cancer that begins in the glandular cells) where the esophagus and stomach join. It is also possible that breast, bronchus, or stomach cancer could metastasize ( spread from one organ to another) to the esophagus.
How can you get carcinoma of the esophagus?
Some risk factors include alcohol and tobacco use, and achalasia, a muscle condition where the muscle struggles to relax. Some known causes include environmental carcinogens (any natural or synthetic substances that can cause cancer), nutritional deficiencies ( inadequate supply of essential nutrients), chronic irritation of mucous membrane, and injuries to the mucous membrane.
what are some symptoms?
Early stages of carcinoma of the esophagus usually doesn't have any symptoms, but some for later stages include:
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Weight loss
- Chest pain or a burning sensation
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Frequent choking while eating
- Indigestion (pain or discomfort associated with trouble digesting food)
- Heartburn
- Coughing or hoarseness