STOMACH TUMOR

Most gastric tumors are malignant. They affect twice as many women as men, usually between the ages of 50 and 70. Approximately 1 of 10 stomach tumors is benign. Like the malignant tumors, the most common early symptom of a benign tumor may be microscopic bleeding that can be detected only by laboratory examination of the stool.

The cause of malignant gastric tumor is unknown. Genetic factors may have some influence. They are 2 to 4 times more common in members of the immediate family of people with the disease.

There is no one symptom that will suggest that the person has a malignant gastric tumor. One of every four persons with a malignant tumor has the same symptoms as someone with a peptic ulcer. They are discomfort in the upper or middle region of the abdomen, black stools, and vomiting after meals. But other symptoms are more serious: vomiting of blood, weight loss, anemia, and bloated feeling after meals.

Malignant tumor is difficult to treat. If the cancer is confined to the stomach, the chance of cure is good. However, the disease often has spread, and the chance of cure is then significantly decreased.

If the tumor is malignant, surgical removal offers the only chance to cure. The likelihood of success depends almost exclusively on whether the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other areas of the body. If the cancer is caught early and it is determined that surgery can remove all of the affected areas, full recovery is possible. Sometimes surgery may be recommended to alleviate pain, bleeding, or obstruction.

In addition to surgery for malignant tumors, the physician may choose chemotherapy as an additional treatment, using a number of anticancer medications. Radiation is sometimes used, but both radiation and chemotherapy can only relieve the symptoms, they do not cure the cancer. If the cancer is too far advanced for chemotherapy or surgery to be effective, analgesic drugs may be used to reduce pain.