Stomach cancer

Overview

Stomach cancer (stomach carcinoma) is a malignant tumour of the stomach lining. Its danger lies in the fact that it often goes undetected for a long time. It causes unexplained weight loss, an aversion to meat and various other symptoms affecting the stomach, e.g. a feeling of pressure. Chronic stomach problems after age 40 should be clarified by a doctor.

Symptoms

Symptoms often remain undetected for a long time and in many cases only appear when the cancer is already at an advanced stage

• Lack of appetite, recent aversion to meat
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and reduced performance
• Nausea, vomiting
• Bad breath
• Heartburn, reflux, sometimes foul-smelling
• Sometimes swallowing disorders
• Pressure in the upper abdomen
• Black or reddish stools
• Build-up of fluid in the abdomen (ascites, abdominal dropsy)
• Emergency: vomiting of blood, risk of circulatory shock

Causes and treatment

Causes

External risk factors

• Diet high in smoked, char-grilled, salted or cured food
• High-proof alcohol, alcohol abuse
• Tobacco consumption (swallowing of saliva containing tar and nicotine)

Internal risk factors

• Gastritis
  • Long-standing Helicobacter pylori infection
  • Chronic autoimmune gastritis
• Family history of stomach cancer
• Stomach ulcer, gastric polyps
• Obesity
• Past surgery to remove part of stomach
• Heartburn/reflux (belching)

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Preferred methods: endoscopic examination of stomach (gastroscopy)
  • Removal of tissue samples to examine under a microscope
• Blood test (blood count, tumour markers)
• Imaging tests
  • Ultrasound (sonography)
  • X-ray after injection of contrast medium
  • Laparoscopy (staging laparoscopy)
  • CT scan (computed tomography)

Possible therapies

• Operation: removal or partial removal of stomach
• Chemotherapy and radiation before and after surgery
• Chemotherapy on its own (if operation doesn't make sense)
• Keep the gastrointestinal passage open (stretch constricted areas)
• Special food, including vitamin B12 supplements

What can I do myself?

• Healthy diet, lots of fruit and vegetables
• Reduction of risk factors
  • Treatment of stomach infections
  • Don’t consume alcohol (in particular schnapps) or tobacco products
  • Avoid smoked, cured and chargrilled food
• Early detection
  • Regular laparoscopies
  • Recommended for people at risk (family history, chronic stomach infections, etc.)

When to see a doctor?

• Chronic stomach problems after age 40
  • Pressure in the upper abdomen
  • Problems with swallowing
  • Frequent reflux, heartburn
  • Nausea, vomiting
• Lack of appetite, recent aversion to meat
• Unexplained weight loss
• Constant fatigue and reduced performance
• Build-up of fluid in the abdomen (ascites, abdominal dropsy)
• Black or reddish stools
• Vomiting of blood

Further information

Swiss Cancer League (Schweizerische Krebsliga)
www.krebsliga.ch

Selbsthilfe Schweiz (Self-Help Support Switzerland)
www.selbsthilfeschweiz.ch

Synonyms

stomach cancer, stomach carcinoma