Peptic ulcer
A peptic ulcer is an open sore that develops in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine. Peptic ulcers are a common condition, and they can range in size and severity.
Symptoms
common symptoms of peptic ulcer may include:
- Burning or gnawing abdominal pain that can be felt anywhere from the navel up to the chest.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Loss of appetite or feeling full after eating only a small amount of food.
- Bloating and belching.
- Heartburn or acid reflux.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Dark or black stools (indicating internal bleeding).
- Vomiting blood or having blood in the stool (indicating severe bleeding).
Causes
Peptic ulcers are usually caused by a bacterial infection or the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Other factors that can contribute to the development of peptic ulcers include stress, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption.
Diagnosis & Treatment
The diagnosis of a peptic ulcer typically involves a physical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic tests such as:
- Endoscopy
- Upper gastrointestinal (GI) series
- Stool tests
treatment typically involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Medications may include:
- Antibiotics: If H. pylori is present, antibiotics will be prescribed to eliminate the bacteria.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These medications decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach, allowing the ulcer to heal.
- Histamine receptor blockers: These medications work by blocking the production of acid in the stomach.
- Antacids: These can provide immediate relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
Lifestyle changes that may help to manage peptic ulcers include avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, quitting smoking, reducing stress levels, and limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption.
In severe cases, or if complications such as bleeding or perforation occur, surgery may be required to repair or remove the affected tissue.
What to expect after treatment
After treatment for a peptic ulcer, most people can expect to fully recover and return to their normal daily activities with few, if any, limitations
If the peptic ulcer was caused by H. pylori infection, antibiotics are used to eradicate the bacteria, and a repeat endoscopy may be performed several weeks after treatment to confirm that the ulcer has healed. If the ulcer was not caused by an H. pylori infection, acid-reducing medications may be prescribed for a period of several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the ulcer.
In addition to medication, lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain foods, reducing stress, and quitting smoking may be recommended to prevent recurrence of the ulcer.
It is important to continue to follow up with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and ensure that the ulcer has fully healed.
Stomach cancer
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the stomach lining. It occurs when abnormal cells in the stomach grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a mass of tissue known as a tumor. Over time, the tumor can invade and destroy healthy tissue, and may spread to other parts of the body.
There are several types of stomach cancer, including adenocarcinoma (which accounts for about 95% of all cases), lymphoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), and carcinoid tumor.
Symptoms
Stomach cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling or fluid buildup in the abdomen
- Feeling full after eating only a small amount
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Causes
The causes & risk factors of stomach cancer include:
- Helicobacter pylori infection bacterium is the most important risk factor for stomach cancer. It can cause chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, which can lead to the development of cancer.
- A diet high in salt, smoked or pickled foods, and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of stomach cancer.
- Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco, increases the risk of developing stomach cancer.
- Heavy alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of stomach cancer.
- Stomach cancer is more common in older adults and in men.
- People with a family history of stomach cancer are at increased risk of developing the disease.
- People who have had part of their stomach removed (partial gastrectomy) are at increased risk of developing stomach cancer.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis of stomach cancer usually involves a combination of imaging tests such as CT scans or endoscopy and biopsies.
Once a diagnosis of stomach cancer has been confirmed, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches. The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and other individual factors, such as the patient's overall health and preferences.
- Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for stomach cancer, and may involve removing part or all of the stomach (partial or total gastrectomy), as well as nearby lymph nodes and other tissues.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery, or in combination with radiation therapy.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery, or in combination with chemotherapy.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a newer approach to treating stomach cancer, and involves the use of drugs that target specific molecules or pathways that are involved in cancer growth and spread.
What to expect after treatment
After treatment for stomach cancer, it is recommended to have regular follow-up visits to monitor for any signs of recurrence or complications. in the immediate aftermath of treatment, you may experience some side effects, such as fatigue, pain, nausea, or changes in appetite or digestion.
your progress will be monitored through imaging tests, blood tests, and physical exams. If there are any signs of recurrence, your doctor may recommend additional treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle after treatment for stomach cancer. This may include eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption
