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Stomach tumor

Not all stomach tumors are cancerous. Sometimes a stomach tumor can be benign. In the United States the incidence of benign stomach tumors is rare however. Benign stomach tumors are not normally painful and they rarely bleed. Different kinds of stomach tumors behave differently and the symptoms will vary on the type and location of the tumor. Stomach tumors are benign and not dangerous or they malignant and cancerous. Adenomatous polyps are a certain type of stomach tumor that starts out benign but has the potential to become malignant.

Individuals from all races can develop a stomach tumor. All sexes are equally susceptible to developing stomach tumors as well. However, the frequency and the type of stomach tumor that can develop in the sexes can vary. The type of stomach tumor that can develop also depends on the person’s age. Some children develop stomach tumors, however, more individuals in the elderly population develop stomach tumors than children.

A small benign stomach tumor usually does not exhibit symptoms. A large stomach tumor can become ulcerated and begin to bleed. When bleeding occurs it can cause the person to feel pain similar to what one would feel when they have a peptic ulcer. However, at times, a stomach tumor that bleeds may not be detected until the individual becomes anemic. A large stomach tumor can cause obstructions in the outlet of stomach. This condition can lead to nausea and vomiting. Larger stomach tumors are malignant more often than smaller ones.

A large stomach tumor may be discovered when a person goes in for a checkup and the stomach is palpitated during the physical exam. Palpitations of the stomach tumor may cause the individual to experience abdominal tenderness. Often times a stomach tumor is discovered during a laparoscopy procedure being done for other reasons. Other discoveries can involve a computerized tomography scan or through x-rays evaluations performed on the upper gastrointestinal tract.

A stomach tumor can develop in all layers of the stomach wall. 40% of all benign stomach tumors are found in the mucosal wall of the stomach. 60% are non-mucosal stomach tumors and develop in the deep walls and interior of the stomach. Gastric polyps are frequently found above the plain of the mucosal surface of the stomach wall.

A benign stomach tumor is not life-threatening. One can easily be removed with little or no threat of recurrence. They malignant stomach tumor is a cancerous stomach tumor. A malignant stomach tumor can be removed from the stomach as well, but there is no guarantee that the cancerous growth will not return. Most of the time a malignant stomach tumor will protrude inside the stomach and can cause life-threatening complications. The exact cause of stomach tumors is not really known yet.

A malignant stomach tumor can affect the other organs around the stomach like the pancreas, the esophagus, the lymph nodes and the intestines. A malignant stomach tumor can also protrude into and affect the liver and lungs. The presence of a malignant stomach tumor can be diagnosed by endoscopic findings that reveal signs of malignancy such as one that has red coloring and other tell-tale signs of malignancy. An endoscopic ultrasound may also be done to diagnose a malignant stomach tumor. A radiologist and other oncology experts are the medical experts who diagnose whether a stomach tumor is benign or malignant. Malignant stomach tumors receive various types of treatments that include surgery, radiation, chemo therapy, etc. Benign tumors can be surgically removed and no further treatment is necessay.

Most stomach tumors occur in the elderly. Stomach tumors in juveniles are very rare. They are usually associated with juvenile polyposis and the risk for them becoming stomach cancer is high.

Last updated on Nov 12th, 2009 and filed under Cancer Research. Both comments and pings are currently closed.