Esophagus, gastroesophageal junction and stomach Gastroesophageal junction and stomach Opening Gastroesophageal junction cancer

Gastroesophageal junction cancer

Stomach cancer usually begins in the mucus-producing cells that line the stomach. This type of cancer is called adenocarcinoma.

In the last few decades, rates of cancer in the main part of the stomach (stomach body) have been falling worldwide. In the same period, cancer became much more common in the area where the upper part of the stomach (cardia) meets the lower end of the swallowing tube (esophagus). This area of ​​the stomach is called the gastroesophageal junction.

 

The symptoms

Signs and symptoms of gastroesophageal junction cancer and stomach cancer may include:

  • Tiredness
  • Feeling bloated after eating
  • Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
  • Severe, persistent heartburn
  • Severe indigestion that is always present
  • Unexplained, persistent nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Unwanted weight loss

 

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have signs and symptoms that worry you. Your doctor will likely investigate the more common causes of these signs and symptoms first.

 

Reasons

Stomach, pyloric valve and upper part of small intestine (duodenum)

Stomach and pyloric cover

Generally, cancer begins when an error (mutation) occurs in a cell’s DNA. The mutation causes the cell to grow and divide rapidly and continue to live when a normal cell would die. The accumulating cancerous cells form a tumor that can invade nearby structures. And cancer cells can break away from the tumor to spread throughout the body.

Gastroesophageal junction cancer is associated with having gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) and, to a lesser extent, obesity and smoking. GERD is a condition caused by the frequent backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.

There is a strong relationship between a diet high in smoked and salty foods and stomach cancer, which is the main part of the stomach. While the use of refrigeration to preserve food has increased all over the world, stomach cancer rates have decreased.

 

Risk factors

The main risk factors for gastroesophageal junction cancer are GERD and a history of obesity.

Factors in the stomach that increase your risk of stomach cancer include:

  • A diet rich in salty and smoked foods
  • A diet low in fruits and vegetables
  • A family history of stomach cancer
  • Infection with Helicobacter pylori
  • Prolonged stomach inflammation
  • Pernicious anemia
  • To smoke
  • Stomach polyps

 

Prevention

It’s not clear what causes the gastroesophageal connection or stomach cancer, so there’s no way to prevent it. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk of gastroesophageal junction cancer and stomach cancer by making small changes in your daily life. For example try:

  • To exercise. Regular exercise is associated with a reduced risk of stomach cancer. Try to adapt physical activity most days of the week.
  • eat more fruits and vegetables. Try to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet every day. Choose from a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.
  • Reduce the amount of salty and smoked foods you eat. Protect your stomach by limiting these foods.
  • Stop smoking. If you smoke, quit. Don’t start if you don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk of stomach cancer and many other types of cancer. It can be very difficult to quit smoking, so seek help from your doctor.

Ask your doctor about your risk of gastroesophageal connection or stomach cancer. If you have an increased risk of gastroesophageal junction cancer or stomach cancer, talk to your doctor. You may want to consider periodic endoscopy together to look for signs of stomach cancer.