Cancer of the Stomach
The frequency of, and death rate from, stomach cancer has declined
worldwide over the past 50 years with the introduction of food
preservation practices such as refrigeration. Symptoms of stomach cancer
include vague upper abdominal pain, which can be associated with poor
appetite, and weight loss. Many individuals become anemic but otherwise
show no symptoms before the development of metastatic spread. Other
symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, change in bowel habits, poor
appetite and weakness, and Helicobacter pylori infection.
Treatment should include surgery. For individuals who cannot have a
complete surgical removal of tissue, radiation therapy may be used along
with chemotherapy. Prognosis depends on the extent of the disease at the
time of diagnosis and the success of treatment that is appropriate for the
clinical situation. Because of the rarity of stomach cancer in the
pediatric age group, little information exists regarding treatment
outcomes of children.
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