Stomach disorders: gastritis, stomach cancer, MALT lymphoma
Inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis) is quite common and occurs at least once in one’s lifetime for 20% of the population. Those affected feel sick, and experience stomach pain and acid regurgitation. Gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers with a risk of bleeding. Gastric bleeding is a life-threatening situation, which is why you should consult a doctor and seek treatment. In rare cases, chronic inflammation of the stomach can degenerate into gastric cancer.
When does an inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) occur?
The stomach contains acidic gastric juices that digest food. A thick layer of mucus protects the stomach lining from the gastric juices. This protective layer can be damaged by drugs, bacteria, nicotine and alcohol. The acidic gastric juices then attack the stomach lining, causing inflammation. At times of stress, the stomach produces more stomach acid, which increases the discomfort. If the gastric juices eat their way deep into the stomach lining, a stomach ulcer develops.
What can be done about inflammation of the stomach lining?
It is important to know the cause of gastritis. You can make changes to your unhealthy lifestyle by giving up alcohol and smoking. Try to avoid stress. Medication to reduce stomach acid can be helpful. Other preparations promote the production of protective gastric mucus. If a helicobacter pylori infection is found to be the cause, targeted antibiotics must be taken to combat the bacteria.
What are the tell-tale signs of stomach cancer?
The first symptoms of gastric cancer are fairly unremarkable. Stomach pain, nausea or difficulty swallowing, as well as a lack of appetite and unintentional weight loss are warning signs. If you have symptoms, have yourself examined and undergo a gastroscopy. The sooner stomach cancer is discovered, the more effectively it can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. MALT lymphoma, a tumour of the lymph tissue in the stomach, is a specific variant of stomach cancer.