Before we start talking about what abdominal cancer is, let’s remember what the abdomen is: located between the chest and pelvis, the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys are part of this region. , ureters, adrenal glands.
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a group of cancers associated with the gastrointestinal tract and the most affected areas are the esophagus, stomach, colon, liver and pancreas. These cancers are responsible for 25% of cancer incidence and 33% of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although recent advances in diagnostics and therapies have had a positive global impact, challenges in control and management continue.
According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), the degree of incidence of abdominal cancer is related to the habits of the population. For example: Easterners have an increased risk of gastric tumors, due to the greater intake of salt when preserving food, while in the United States the high consumption of processed foods increases the possibility of bowel cancer.
In addition to diet, heredity can also contribute to a greater predisposition to cancer when at least two cases of the same type of cancer occur in the family or in a patient at an early age (before the age of 40).
Another risk factor and generally correlated with lung cancer, smoking can be a cause of other types of cancer, such as stomach, bladder, esophagus and pancreas.
And how do you know if a person has cancer located in the abdominal region? The clinical picture will depend on the type of tumor and its location, size and stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Weight loss without diet, frequent feeling of tiredness, symptoms such as stomach pain or pain in the abdominal region, change in bowel habits and the presence of blood in the stool may be indicative of more thorough investigation, as they may be part of several diseases and not necessarily cancer.
And even at an early stage, abdominal cancer can be asymptomatic. Therefore, regular medical appointments are extremely important, as early diagnosis can increase the chances of a cure.
Regarding diagnosis, Fleury offers laboratory, imaging and even genetic tests, which will be requested by the specialist doctor according to the clinical history, physical examination and the type and location of the tumor.
Consult your doctor and count on us to carry out your exams in a safe and assertive manner.
Sources:
inca.gov.br
Manu KA; Bronte F; Giunta EF. Editorial: Reviews in gastrointestinal cancers. Front. Oncol 2023, vol. 13
