Although the rate of stomach cancer is declining in the U.S., the physician experts at Digestive Disease Associates in Hinsdale have experience treating patients with this condition.
Stomach cancer occurs when diseased cells form in the lining of the stomach.
Symptoms rarely occur in the early stages of stomach cancer. Individuals who present with symptoms are typically in an advanced stage of the disease.
Early symptoms may include:
- A sensation of being very full (or rapidly full) at mealtime
- Bloating (especially after meals)
- Fatigue
- Heartburn
- Persistent indigestion
- Stomach ache
Advanced symptoms may include:
- Bloody stools
- Vomiting (may contain blood)
- Weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Jaundice
Stomach cancer may begin in the:
- Glandular cells (adenocarcinoma)
- Immune system cells (lymphoma)
- Hormone-producing cells (carcinoid cancer)
- Nervous system tissues
Treatment options may include:
- Removing early-stage tumors from the stomach lining
- Removing a portion of the stomach (subtotal gastrectomy), along with lymph nodes
- Removing the entire stomach (total gastrectomy), along with lymph nodes
- Removal of lymph nodes to look for cancer
- Removal of a portion of the stomach to relieve symptoms
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy (IV or by mouth)
- Targeted therapy (addressing specific abnormalities inside the cancerous cells)
Note: This information shouldn’t take the place of a physician’s care. Please see your physician or Dr. Suman Kaur of Digestive Disease Associates with any questions or concerns: (630) 325-4255.