Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, refers to a cancer that starts in any part of the stomach. The stomach is a j-shaped, hollow, distensible organ located in the upper abdomen, under the ribs. The stomach is part of the digestive tract where ingested food is broken down into a semi-fluid substance called chyme.

While other types of cancer can spread to the stomach and cause cancer, this topic will only cover cancer that starts in the stomach.

The US National Cancer Institute estimated that there are more than 21,000 new cases of stomach cancer in the United States in 2009. About 13,000 are men and 8,000 are women. Most of those people diagnosed with cancer of the stomach are over 70 years old. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stomach cancer accounted for about 803,000 deaths worldwide each year making it the second leading cause of deaths due to cancer.

What causes stomach cancer?

Experts are not really sure why cancer occurs in the stomach. Also, why a certain person gets stomach cancer and another doesn’t remains unclear. However, experts do know that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop stomach cancer. A risk factor is something that makes a person more likely to develop a certain disease or disorder.

What are the risk factors for stomach cancer?

A person is at risk of getting stomach cancer if he or she

 has had helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Although H. pylori infection is the most common cause of peptic ulcer, a small number of infected people develop stomach cancer.

 has long-term stomach inflammation.

 is smoking. Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to develop stomach cancer. Heavy smokers are most at risk.

 has a family history of stomach cancer.

 eats lots of salted, smoked, or pickled foods.

 lacks physical activity.

 is obese.

Having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will develop stomach cancer. In fact, many people with known risk factors do not develop the disease. For example, many people have an H. pylori infection but never develop stomach cancer. On the other hand, some people who get stomach cancer sometimes have no known risk factors.

What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?

Early stages of stomach cancer do not present with any signs or symptoms. This makes the detection of early stomach cancer difficult. As the cancerous stomach cells grow, it can cause signs or symptoms such as

 Discomfort or pain in the stomach area

 Trouble swallowing

 Nausea and vomiting

 Unexplained weight loss

 Feeling full or bloated after a small meal

 Vomiting blood or having blood in the stool

These symptoms are not exclusive for stomach cancer. Other health problems can cause these symptoms as well. For example, peptic ulcers or infection can cause the same symptoms. Anyone who has these symptoms should tell their doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

How is stomach cancer diagnosed?

It can be difficult for a doctor to diagnose stomach cancer during its very early stages. However, if a person has symptoms that suggest stomach cancer, the doctor will likely do a series of tests to determine whether they are caused by cancer or other health problems.

In addition to learning about the person’s personal and family medical history and performing a physical exam, the doctor may also suggest blood testing and other laboratory and imaging tests.

How is stomach cancer treated?

Because stomach cancer is often found late, it can be difficult to treat. The choice of treatment depends on the site or size of the cancer, whether cancer cells have spread to other organs, and the person’s general health. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Sometimes, a combination of these treatments may be needed.

References:
US National Cancer Institute (October 15, 2009). What You Need to Know About™: Stomach Cancer. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Accessed: October 19, 2009

MedlinePlus. Stomach Cancer. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Last Updated: September 30, 2009. Accessed: October 19, 2009

World Health Organization (WHO) Media Centre (February 2009). World Health Organization. Accessed: October 19, 2009

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Warning Signs of Diarrhea in Children

Diarrhea can be potentially fatal when it occurs in children, especially in newborns and infants. It can cause a child to pass loose and watery stools. Diarrhea condition can lead to dehydration, which is a life-threatening condition wherein the body lacks enough fluid and ions to function properly.

Learning the following warning signs of diarrhea can save your child’s life. Warning signs include:

 stools containing pus or blood

 black stools

 a temperature above 102 degrees

 signs of dehydration, which include dry mouth and tongue; no tears when crying; no wet diapers for 3 hours or more; listlessness or irritability; sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks, and skin that does not flatten when pinched and released.

If your child’s diarrhea does not improve within 24 hours or any of these symptoms appear, do not hesitate to consult a doctor or health care provider.

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Related Posts:
Diarrhea: Overview
Diarrhea (Detailed Discussion)
What to do when you child is suffering from diarrhea

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Reference:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Diarrhea. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 07–2749, March 2007

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Easy to Read: Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids occur when the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed. It can be caused by too much straining during bowel movement. Other factors, such as pregnancy, long-term constipation or diarrhea, and aging may contribute to the development of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids may cause painful swelling, a hard lump around the anus, itching, or bleeding around the anus.

Treatments may include increasing fibers and fluid in the diet, taking warm tub baths, and applying hemorrhoidal cream or suppository to the affected area. Surgery may be needed if the condition does not respond to other treatments.

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Related Post: Hemorrhoids (A more detailed discussion.)

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Reference:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Hemorrhoids. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 07–3021, November 2004

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Easy to Read: Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, which is commonly caused by obstruction of the appendiceal lumen (the inside of the appendix). Secretions produced by the appendix cannot pass through. As a result, the secretions accumulate within the appendix, causing it to swell and cause pain. In addition, bacteria normally living in the appendix can cause infection. When the appendix bursts, the infection can spread throughout the abdomen. This life-threatening condition is called peritonitis.

Symptoms of appendicitis include pain in the lower right part of the abdomen, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, and vomiting.

Appendicitis is typically treated by removing the appendix. Surgery to remove the appendix is called appendectomy.

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Related Posts:
Appendicitis
Appendicitis: An Overview

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Reference:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Appendicitis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 09–4547, November 2008

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Peptic Ulcers Caused by Pain Relievers

Peptic ulcers (ULSERS) are sores that form in the lining of the stomach and sometimes the duodenum. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. Most peptic ulcers are caused by infection with the bacteria called helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). However, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also cause a person to have peptic ulcer. NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.

The most common symptom of peptic ulcer is a gnawing, burning pain in the upper abdomen. Other symptoms of peptic ulcer may include

 loss of appetite

 weight loss

 fatigue

 nausea

 vomiting

The stomach has its own protective mechanisms against the stomach’s digestive juices. However, NSAIDs can hinder with these protective mechanisms lowering the stomach’s defenses. As a result, the digestive juices can damage the stomach wall causing ulcers.

Peptic ulcers can get worse if not treated. The peptic ulcer caused by NSAIDs usually starts to heal once the person stops taking the medication. Sometimes, medications may be prescribed to protect the stomach lining or antibiotics to kill the ulcer-causing bacteria. In some cases, surgery may be needed for ulcers that don’t heal.

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Related Readings:
Peptic Ulcers and NSAIDs
Peptic Ulcer

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References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 04–4644, September 2004

MedlinePlus ( October 2009). Peptic Ulcer. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

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Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the liver. This condition is specifically called primary liver cancer. According to the US National Cancer Institute (NCI), liver cancer affects about 15,000 men and 6,000 women each year and most of them are over 64 years old. Because other types of cancer can spread (metastasize) to the liver, this topic will cover cancer that starts in the liver and does not include cancer that spread to the liver from other parts of the body.

What is the liver? What does it do?

The liver is the largest organ inside the body located in the upper right abdomen, protected by the lower right ribs. The liver has several functions important for maintaining life. A healthy liver has many functions including

 Removing toxins and other harmful substances from the blood

 Making enzymes and bile, which help digest food

 Converting food into substances needed for life and growth

The liver receives blood from two sources, the hepatic portal vein and the hepatic artery. The hepatic portal vein carries nutrients that are newly absorbed from the intestine to the liver. Oxygen-rich blood flows to the liver through the hepatic artery.

In primary liver cancer, cancer cells begin in the liver cells called hepatocytes. This type of cancer is called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or malignant hepatoma. Malignant means that abnormal growth of cells are cancerous, which can spread to other parts of the body and can be life threatening.

Risk Factors

Experts are unsure why one person gets liver cancer while others do not. However, certain risk factors may increase the chance of a person getting liver cancer. Risk factors for primary liver cancer may include

 Having hepatitis caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV).

 Having cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. Liver cirrhosis is a serious liver disorder where liver cells are damaged and replaced with scar tissue. Scarred liver tissue cannot perform normal function.

 Long-term heavy alcohol drinking.

 Being obese or diabetic. According to the National Cancer Institute, obesity and diabetes may be important risk factors for liver cancer.

 Low weight at birth (National Library of Medicine)

Having two or more of these risk factors increase the chance of getting liver cancer. However, many people with known risk factors for liver cancer don’t develop the disease.

Signs and Symptoms

Early stages of liver cancer may not cause symptoms. However, as the cancer grows larger, symptoms may occur including

 Pain or lump on the upper right abdomen

 Yellowing of the skin and sclera (white portion) of the eyes (jaundice)

 Loss of appetite and feeling of fullness

 Swelling of the abdomen (bloating)

 Weight loss

 Nausea and vomiting

 Fever

These symptoms may also be caused by other health problems. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Treatment

According to the National Cancer Institute, liver cancer can be cured when it is found during its early stage and cancer cells have not spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or liver transplantation. Some people may need a combination of treatments.

Side effects of liver cancer treatment are common. Ask your health care team about possible side effects and how the treatment may change your normal activities.

References:

US National Cancer Institute (NCI, April 29, 2009). What You Need To Know About ™ Liver Cancer. National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Medline Plus. Liver Cancer

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Gallbladder Diseases

The gall bladder is a pear-shaped structure under the liver in the right upper abdomen. It primarily stores bile formed by the liver cells. Bile is a substance that helps in the digestion of fats. It is normally stored in the gallbladder until the body needs it.

The gallbladder and the ducts that carry bile and other digestive enzymes from the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas to the small intestine are called the biliary system.
Components of bile include:

 water

 cholesterol

 bile salts

 fats

 proteins

 bilirubin—a product formed when the hemoglobin in red blood cells is broken down

As the stomach and intestine digest food, the gallbladder releases the stored bile through a tube called the common bile duct. The duct connects the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine (see illustration).

Common Gallbladder Diseases or Disorders

Diseases affecting the gallbladder include gallstones and cholecystitis.

Gallstones are small pebble-like substances that develop in the gallbladder. It occurs when substances in the gallbladder stick to each other and consequently harden to form stones. Gallbladder attacks often follow fatty meals, and they may occur during the night. A typical attack can cause steady pain in the right upper abdomen that increases rapidly and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours; pain in the back between the shoulder blades; and pain under the right shoulder.

Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder. It occurs when a gallstone blocks the normal flow of bile in the cystic duct.

Gallbladder problems can get better with the removal of the gallstone or gallbladder. The gallbladder is one organ people can live without. People who have had their gallbladder removed live normal lives. However, some may experience softer and more frequents stools, which is usually temporary. If this persists, you should talk to your health care provider.

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Related Topics:
Gallstones (Choleliths, Cholelithiasis): An Overview
Gallstones

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References:

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Gall stones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 07–2897, July 2007

Tortora, G. and Grabowski, S.: PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 10th ed. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2003.

Seeley, R., Stephens, T., and Tate, P.: Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology.5th ed.Mc-Graw-Hills, Inc., 2005

Image Credit: NIDDK Image Library

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