What is stomach cancer
Also known as gastric cancer, stomach cancer happens when cancer cells usually begin in the inner lining of your stomach. They then grow deeper into your stomach walls as the cancer develops. Along with the main abdomen, stomach cancer also affects the area where the esophagus meets the stomach. According to experts, common stomach cancer symptoms like unexplained weight loss and stomach pain often do not appear in the early stages. Gastric cancer has been linked with skin issues that appear on the face and is among the earliest stages of the disease. There are different types of stomach cancers including primary gastric lymphoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), and neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors in the stomach.
Symptoms of stomach cancer on your skin
Stomach cancer spreads to the lymph nodes and it may cause lumps you can feel through the skin. Cancer spreads to the liver causing yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. If cancer spreads within the belly, it might cause fluid to fill the belly, making it look swollen. Gastric cancer also leads to a rare skin disorder called papuloerythroderma of Ofuji which causes small, raised bumps on the skin along with skin peeling across your face.
Other signs
Apart from the skin issues, other early signs of stomach cancer include poor appetite, sudden weight loss, abdominal pain and discomfort or swelling in the abdomen. You may also experience heartburn, indigestion, feeling bloated and gassy, nausea and vomiting, which could be with or without blood. Many people feel full soon after eating only a small amount of food. According to doctors, low hemoglobin is also a major symptom of the deadly disease.
Can you feel a tumour in your stomach early?
According to doctors, you may be able to feel a mass in your stomach during a physical exam depending on how advanced the cancer is. Mostly, if the symptoms involve recognizing sensations in your stomach, you tummy would be frequently feel swollen, full or painful. The pain may start as mild and then get more intense as the disease progresses.
What causes stomach cancer?
Experts say stomach cancer forms when there is a genetic change in the DNA of your stomach cells. And because of the mutation, the cells grow rapidly and eventually form a tumor instead of dying. The cancer cells overtake healthy cells and may spread to other parts of your body. Even though there are no reasons for mutation, many factors that seem to increase the likelihood of developing stomach cancer, include a family history, bacterial infection, GERD, alcohol, obesity, gastritis and smoking.
How does cancer spread in your body?
According to doctors, cancer spreads through your body tissue and then grows further into surrounding areas. It also spreads from where it began by getting into your lymph system and then it travels from where it began to other parts of the body through your blood vessels.
Risk factors
Even though anyone can develop stomach cancer, certain demographic factors increase your risk, which include – if you are more than 65 years old. Another major risk factors is your diet – which includes food that are super salty, smoked and pickled foods.
Ways to prevent stomach cancer
A few ways you can prevent this disease including eating a balanced, healthy and diet full of fresh ingredients like colourful fruits and green vegetables. You must also include a lot of whole grain foods like whole grain bread, cereals, pasta and rice. Also, limit the amount of alcohol and avoid tomato products to prevent cancer. Avoiding pickled foods, salted meats and fish can also help to protect your stomach.
Source: timesnownews.com
