What is abdominal cancer?
Abdominal cancer is a general term for cancer that starts in the abdomen. It occurs when abdominal cells divide and multiply quickly, resulting in tumor formation.
The abdomen is the part of the body between the chest and the pelvis. Abdominal cancer can affect any organ in the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and ovaries.
What are the symptoms of abdominal cancer?
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of abdominal cancer. Other symptoms may include:
- Weight loss without trying
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating or feeling full after eating only a small amount
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Blood in your stool or black stools – fatigue
What causes abdominal cancer?
The exact cause of abdominal cancer is unknown. However, certain risk factors may increase your chance of developing the disease. These include:
- Age over 50
- Family history of abdominal cancer
- Certain genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome
- Being obese or overweight
- Having inflammatory bowel disease
- Smoking cigarettes
How is abdominal cancer diagnosed?
If you experience any symptoms associated with abdominal cancer, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. They will perform a physical exam and order tests to determine if you have the disease. These may include:
- CT scan:Â A CT scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays to take pictures of the inside of the body. A CT scan can be used to look for tumors in the abdomen.
- Ultrasound:Â An ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to take pictures of the inside of the body. An abdominal ultrasound can be used to look for tumors in the abdomen.
- MRI:Â An MRI is an imaging test that uses magnetic waves to take pictures of the inside of the body. An MRI can be used to look for tumors in the abdomen.
- Biopsy:Â A biopsy is a procedure in which doctors remove a small tissue sample from the body and examine it under a microscope. A biopsy is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of abdominal cancer.
What are the stages of abdominal cancer?
Once a diagnosis of abdominal cancer is made, additional tests are performed to determine the stage of the disease. This is a crucial step in developing the best treatment plan.
- Stage I:Â Cancer is limited to one area and has not spread
- Stage II:Â Cancer has spread to nearby tissue or organs
- Stage III:Â Cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the area
- Stage IV:Â Cancer has metastasized or spread to other parts of the body
The stage of the disease will determine what treatment options are available. Treatment for abdominal cancer often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Patients with stage I or II diseases may be candidates for surgery alone. However, those with more advanced diseases will likely need additional treatment.
Chemotherapy is often used before or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy may also be used to shrink the tumor before surgery.
What are the treatment options for abdominal cancer?
The best treatment option for you will depend on the stage of your disease and your overall health and preferences. Treatment options for abdominal cancer include
Surgery:
This is often the first line of treatment for abdominal cancer. It is used to remove the tumor and nearby lymph nodes. In some cases, a portion of the stomach or intestine may need to be removed.
Chemotherapy:
This type of cancer treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given before or after surgery, intravenously or orally.
Radiation therapy:
This type of cancer treatment uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery.
Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is best for you.