Yes, stomach cancer and gastric cancer are two terms used to describe the same disease. Although more commonly known as stomach cancer, in some regions and in certain professions, gastric cancer is the more commonplace term.

In many cases, stomach cancer in its early stages does not cause any symptoms, but when it does, they may include:

• Poor appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal (stomach) pain
• Vague discomfort in the abdomen
• Feeling full after eating a small meal
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting, with or without blood
• Swelling or edema in the abdomen
• Blood in the stool
• Feeling tired or weak
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown, although several factors have been associated with a higher risk of developing the disease, including:

• Precancerous Changes in the Stomach — In the inner lining of the stomach, several precancerous changes can occur, such as:Atrophic gastritis, is characterized by a reduced number or absence of the normal gland cells of the stomach. It may also result in inflammation if the stomach cells are damaged by cells of the immune system, also known as an autoimmune reaction. Some people with this condition go on to develop other stomach problems, including pernicious anemia or cancer.
Intestinal metaplasia, another possible precancerous change in the stomach, is a condition in which the cells that normally line the stomach are replaced by cells that usually line the intestine.
Dysplasia, which is caused by damage to the DNA inside the gland cells, can result from either atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia as both of these conditions can lead to having too few gland cells.
• Gender — Stomach cancer is more likely to affect men than it is women, which may be related to lifestyle factors.
• Age — While stomach cancer can occur in younger people, the risk goes up with increased age; most diagnoses of stomach cancer are in people in their 60s, 70s, or 80s.
• Overweight or Obesity — Being overweight or obese is linked with an increased risk of cancers of the upper part of the stomach near the esophagus, known as the cardia.
• Diet — Consuming large amounts of foods preserved by salting, such as fish, meat, and pickled vegetables, is associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer.
• Alcohol Use — Alcohol use is linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer, particularly in people who have 3 or more drinks per day.
• Tobacco Use — The link between smoking and an increased risk of cancer is well-known, including stomach cancer; the rate of stomach cancer is about doubled in people who smoke.

The main treatment for stomach cancer is surgery to remove the tumors, which is often effective in the early stages of this disease. In more advanced cases, other treatments may be utilized, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Alfred B Johnson MD is dedicated to providing you with all of your stomach cancer needs. Call us or schedule an appointment with our stomach cancer specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 240 East 13th Street Merced, CA 95341. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Merced CA, Atwater CA, Winton CA, Bear Creek CA, Planada CA, Le Grand CA, and Athlone CA.