Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, can be understood as a growth of abnormal cells in the inner lining of the stomach.

Understand better how gastric cancer forms, its signs, symptoms, possible treatments, and how you can prevent it.

Signs and symptoms of gastric cancer

There is no defined cause for gastric cancer, but some signs may be responsible. They include:

• family history (especially in first-degree relatives) of cancer;
• family or personal history of stomach polyps;
• infection in the stomach caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori);
• being male or over 60 years old;
• having undergone previous stomach surgery;
• having a diet rich in smoked, salted, poorly preserved foods and poor in fruits and vegetables.

Symptoms of gastric cancer

The disease usually does not show symptoms. When they do appear, it is a sign that the gastric cancer is already at a very advanced stage.

Some of the main symptoms are:

• heartburn or indigestion;
• stomach pains;
• nausea or vomiting;
• unexplained loss of appetite;
• unexpected weight loss;
• feeling of fullness after eating very little food;

Diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is more difficult to diagnose early, as its symptoms take time to appear. Generally, the diagnosis occurs after routine examinations:

• Endoscopy, an examination that allows the doctor to identify abnormal areas inside the stomach. If suspected, a fragment of the tissue is removed for laboratory tests (biopsy);
• Computed tomography of the abdomen, chest, and pelvis.

How the treatment is done

The treatment of gastric cancer may involve:

• surgery to remove parts of the stomach;
• chemotherapy to fight cancer cells in the body with medication;
• radiotherapy to kill cancer cells in the stomach.

If the cancer is large enough to block the digestive tube, there are some procedures that can be done to deal with the situation. They are:

• placement of a stent, an expandable prosthesis, between the esophagus and the stomach to maintain an opening;
• insertion of a prosthesis between the stomach and the duodenum so that food and liquids can be administered.

In case of a blockage between the stomach and the small intestine, doctors can bypass it by attaching the upper part of the stomach to the middle part of the small intestine.

How to prevent gastric cancer

Gastric cancer should be diagnosed as soon as possible, otherwise, it tends to spread through the lining of the stomach and may not be curable at a certain point.

In the case of gastric atrophy or H. pylori infection, receiving the appropriate treatment already helps to prevent gastric cancer.

Furthermore, there are some ways to prevent gastric cancer:

• Undergo routine examinations with a gastroenterologist;
• Follow the full course of any treatment prescribed by the doctor;
• Rest appropriately;
• Have a healthy diet, rich in nutrients and low in fat and processed foods;
• Exercise;
• Seek a doctor at any sign of abnormalities;
• Undergo therapy to deal with emotional issues and problems.

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Gastric ulcer is a condition that can affect people of different ages and for various reasons. Understand how the ulcer develops and what care should be taken.

What is a gastric ulcer

An ulcer can be understood as a wound that forms on the mucosa (inner lining) of an organ.

Depending on the case, the ulcer can be more superficial or deep, and can cause the perforation of an organ in severe cases.

But do not be alarmed, an ulcer is not necessarily a very serious condition, but it is essential that the individual seeks the care of a gastroenterologist to identify the source and start treatment as soon as possible.

Symptoms and causes of gastric ulcer

Symptoms may include:

• abdominal distension;
• strong abdominal pain, which tends to present as a stabbing sensation;
• pain that can be described as a burning sensation in the pit of the stomach;
• nausea;
• bleeding in the stomach wall, which can be identified in exams, such as endoscopy, or observed in the presence of blood in the stool;
• vomiting.

Causes

The main causes of gastric ulcer are diverse, such as:

• infection by the bacterium H. Pylori: it is the main cause, since the bacterium produces toxins that affect the defenses of the stomach mucosa against gastric acid. From this, ulcers arise;
• excessive stress: most people go through periods of stress. In some, there may be an increase in the secretion of acid in the stomach, which facilitates the development of an ulcer;
• prolonged use of certain medications: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and ibuprofen are some examples of medications that can progressively cause erosions in the gastric mucosa, especially among older people;
• tobacco use: smoking is another element that increases the risks of developing an ulcer, due to the high production of acid in the stomach;
• excessive alcohol consumption: alcoholic beverages alter the pH of the organ, causing the body to produce more gastric acid and, consequently, increase the chances of ulcer formation.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The endoscopy exam is used in many cases of suspected stomach ulcer after the appearance of the symptoms mentioned above.

Endoscopy is very important to identify the source of the symptoms, since other digestive problems can have similar signs.

7 tips for care

The treatment for gastric ulcer involves the use of medications and antibiotics prescribed by the doctor to reduce the production of gastric acid and protect the lining of the organ.

In addition, there are 7 actions that help treat gastric ulcer. They are:

1. Avoid citrus foods, spicy foods, and excess caffeine;

2. Avoid alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and cigarettes in general;

3. Avoid excessive use of anti-inflammatory medications;

4. Invest in activities that improve your mood;

5. Do physical exercises;

6. Seek medical follow-up with a gastroenterologist specialist;

7. Follow the treatment exactly as the doctor prescribed.

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The intragastric balloon is a less invasive alternative procedure (compared to bariatric surgery) aimed at helping people lose weight.
Learn about the procedure and get all your questions answered below.

Dysphagia is a condition that can cause pain when swallowing, frequent choking, coughing, and a sensation of food being stuck.

The symptoms of dysphagia indicate that something is wrong. It is necessary to seek a doctor to make the diagnosis through an endoscopy, otherwise the person can develop a state of malnutrition.

Generally, in addition to the digestive endoscopy exam, the investigation can also be done through esophageal manometry and X-rays of the esophagus with contrast.

Read more: Difficulty swallowing: understand about dysphagia

Understand, below, more about the disease, its symptoms, and learn how to identify it.

What is dysphagia

Dysphagia is characterized by difficulty swallowing food, whether solid or liquid. To understand how dysphagia influences the digestive process, it is important to know that swallowing consists of three phases: oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal.

In this case, the first phase occurs voluntarily, while the other two involuntarily. When there are signs of abnormality in these last two, the diagnosis will most likely indicate dysphagia.

What are the complications?

Dysphagia can have some complications, especially if the condition negatively influences the patient’s nutritional status, which occurs due to reduced consumption of water and nutrients.

The difficulty in swallowing leads the person to eat less. Consequently, the body stops receiving all the necessary nutrients for its proper functioning.

As a consequence of a weakened diet, the person begins to suffer from nutritional deficiency, possibly entering a state of malnutrition that tends to worsen over time (if dysphagia is not properly treated).

Identifying dysphagia

Follow some of the main symptoms of dysphagia and see how it can be identified through endoscopy:

Symptoms

• Difficulty in chewing food;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Coughing during or after a meal;
• Delay in swallowing;
• Frequent choking (during meals) or unexpected;
• Sensation of shortness of breath or tiredness when eating;
• Sensation of something stuck in the throat;
• Unjustifiable weight loss;
• Recurrent pneumonia (in more severe cases).

Exams

In addition to the symptoms indicated above, the identification of dysphagia is also made through exams.

Starting with the clinical exam, it is important to evaluate the patient’s history and understand if they feel discomfort when swallowing or a sensation of something stuck in the central region of the chest, for example. At a second moment, the patient is advised to undergo a high digestive endoscopy (HDE), which allows a clearer view of the esophagus and the possibility of removing material for biopsy.

Actions that can help deal with dysphagia

• Perform all meals with an upright back to help the swallowing process occur more easily;
• Base your diet on softer foods, such as soup, puree, or finely chopped foods;
• Have a meal routine at times when you are more alert and willing;
• Remove distractions at mealtime, such as computers, cell phones, and television;
• Chew slowly, taking as much time as necessary.

Dysphagia: follow all the information about it and learn how endoscopy is done

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Also read: Endoscopic treatment of stomach varices | High Digestive Endoscopy | Intragastric balloon

Many people have doubts about how to proceed and what to eat after a colonoscopy exam. Follow this and other information about the exam here on EndoBlog.

What is a colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is an examination performed on the colon (large intestine) and the terminal ileum. In addition to identifying abnormalities in the intestinal mucosa, colonoscopy also enables the collection of material for biopsies – widely used in the diagnosis of diseases.

In other words, endoscopy can be considered a preliminary examination used to identify possible abnormalities in the colon (such as cancer and polyps) and is done under patient sedation.

What are the main precautions I need to take?

When undergoing a colonoscopy, some precautions must be taken to ensure the exam is performed properly. It is essential to follow all the doctor’s recommendations for intestinal preparation in the days preceding the exam, following a specific diet and using laxatives (if necessary and prescribed).

What should I eat after a colonoscopy?

After a colonoscopy, it is necessary to be careful with food consumption. Moreover, the diet preceding the exam tends to dehydrate the body, so it is important to replenish fluids and electrolytes. In this case, the doctor will know how to guide what to eat after a colonoscopy.

Depending on each case, the health professional may indicate that the intake of solid foods should be more moderate, even after a few hours from the procedure. Furthermore, it is advisable for the patient to drink plenty of fluids and prioritize an easy-to-digest diet.

But there is no reason to worry. The main dietary concerns after a colonoscopy should occur for only one day. In any case, the patient should pay attention to the body’s signals and opt for light foods for a longer time if necessary.

Important: depending on the case, the doctor may recommend a low-residue diet. This means that the patient should moderate the amount of dairy and high-fiber foods (which are harder to digest and produce more stool).

A list of foods to be incorporated into the dietary routine one day after the colonoscopy includes:

• water;
• beverages with electrolytes;
• saltine crackers;
• soothing teas (such as chamomile);
• grilled chicken;
• gelatin;
• yogurt;
• scrambled eggs;
• white bread or toast;
• soft white fish;
• mashed potatoes or baked potatoes;
• soup;
• fruit juice;
• tender cooked vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I feel after the exam?

A sedative is administered during the exam and can cause effects on the body for up to 24 hours, causing the patient to feel tired, have difficulty concentrating, and generally feel drowsy.

Therefore, it is recommended that the patient take the day off and rest. Moreover, it is advised:

• not to take painkillers or tranquilizers in the first 24 hours;
• not to drive or operate heavy machinery;
• to avoid alcohol consumption;
• not to make important decisions, such as signing a contract.

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Also read: Endoscopic treatment of stomach varices | Upper Digestive Endoscopy | Intragastric Balloon

Achalasia is a disease that can affect people of all ages, but tends to manifest more between the ages of 20 and 40, and progresses gradually over time.

Follow the main information about this condition, such as causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatments. Also, see how to access health and wellness materials on the internet.

What is achalasia?

Achalasia occurs in the esophagus due to the lack of peristaltic movements – responsible for moving food through the narrowing of the esophageal sphincter to the stomach. In achalasia, there is also difficulty in relaxing this sphincter.

The disease causes significant difficulty swallowing and weight loss (due to insufficient nutrient intake).

What are the main causes and symptoms?

The exact cause of achalasia is still unknown. In this case, scientists believe it may be caused by the immune system itself, which ends up destroying the nerves in the wall of the esophagus. In Brazil, a common cause of achalasia is Chagas disease, which can lead to megaesophagus. This condition can occur over the years, where the esophagus begins to dilate due to the difficulty of food passage through the sphincter.

As a consequence, both the movements responsible for transporting food and the relaxation of the esophageal sphincter muscle do not occur adequately. As a result, both solid and liquid foods are prevented from reaching the stomach.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of achalasia are:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia);
• Chest pain and discomfort;
• Reflux and regurgitation (especially when lying down);
• Weight loss.

What tests are used for the diagnosis of achalasia?

For the diagnosis of achalasia, the following tests are used:

Endoscopy: allows the doctor to analyze the mucous membranes of the stomach, esophagus, and the initial part of the intestine.

Esophageal manometry: helps to examine the peristaltic functions of the esophagus and the degree of relaxation of the esophageal sphincter.

Esophagram: the test that evaluates the passage of food through the esophageal tube and checks the degree of dilation of the organ. It is done through X-ray, after the ingestion of a contrast food.

Read more about: Esophageal dilation

What are the possible treatments?

There are four main treatments that can help patients with achalasia. They are:

Dietary care

Even before having the diagnosis confirmed, the patient with difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can adopt some dietary habits:

• Chew food thoroughly;
• Have meals in a calm manner, ingesting both solid and liquid foods (to help the food go down);
• Prefer easily digestible foods;
• Avoid lying down immediately after meals;
• Take medications with plenty of water to help the peristaltic movements of the esophagus.

Endoscopic treatment

Through endoscopy, it is possible:

• To apply botox injections to the esophageal sphincter to relieve symptoms, being a palliative measure that can last from 6 months to 1 year.
• To perform pneumatic dilation, which uses a dilating balloon to break the muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter and provide relief to the patient.
• In some cases, myotomy can be performed through endoscopy, with the resection of the muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter, to decrease its pressure.

Surgical procedure

In surgery, part of the lower esophageal sphincter is sectioned so that it no longer obstructs the passage of food. In more severe cases of megaesophagus, the esophagus is removed.

Important: after the surgical procedure, it is necessary to follow up and use medications to prevent reflux.

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Also read: Endoscopic treatment of stomach varices | Upper Digestive Endoscopy | Intragastric balloon

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that can develop over time. Although it is not serious, it is important to know the causes and symptoms. Follow the main information on the subject.

What is Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus begins with esophagitis, which is the inflammation of the lower portion of the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

This esophagitis causes heartburn, which is a burning pain or heat in the chest, usually near the lower part of the sternum (bone at the front of the chest). Over time, reflux esophagitis can cause changes in the cells lining the esophagus, leading to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus.

What are the main symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus does not have specific symptoms.

However, advanced cases of Barrett’s esophagus can develop esophageal cancer. The main symptoms, under these circumstances, are:

• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia);
• weight loss;
• food impaction (food gets stuck in the esophagus).

The causes of Barrett’s Esophagus

The main causes of Barrett’s esophagus involve the persistence of gastric reflux, which rises to the esophagus and can cause changes in the mucosa.

In this sense, it is important to note whether episodes of reflux occur specifically at times when they are considered normal (after eating too much, after bending over after a meal, or when lying down immediately after consuming food/liquids) or if they begin to manifest more frequently throughout the day.

Treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus

The main goal of treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus is to mitigate reflux and ensure that the inner lining of the esophagus does not become cancerous. The main actions to treat Barrett’s esophagus include:

• prescription of antacids;
• performing endoscopic exams to ensure there are no potentially cancerous changes in the esophagus;
• medications that help reduce stomach acid;
• other treatments that relieve reflux symptoms.

After medical follow-up with endoscopic exams, if abnormal tissue is present, such alteration will have to be removed. Some options for procedures are:

• removal by cutting the abnormal tissue, which can be done through an endoscope and tiny tools;
• laser removal, also applied via endoscope;
• surgery to remove esophageal cancer, if the tissue is already cancerous or severely abnormal.

How should the diet be?

To prevent or avoid worsening gastric reflux, the patient can follow some dietary and habit guidelines. They are:

• not consuming a large amount of food at once;
• not consuming alcohol excessively;
• not smoking;
• combating overweight;
• using looser clothing that does not tighten around the waist;
• avoid lying down, bending over, or stooping after meals;
• avoid physical exercise immediately after meals.

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Also read: Upper Digestive Endoscopy | Intragastric Balloon | What is Dysphagia?

Endoscopy is a very important examination. It is necessary for the patient to undergo a preparation procedure so that everything goes smoothly. Follow the main information on the subject.

Read also: Gastritis – main questions answered

What is endoscopy and what is it for?

Basically, endoscopy is an examination that uses a camera guided by a cable, which is inserted through the digestive tract to access the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine).

What it’s for

Endoscopy is usually indicated by the doctor for patients who are showing certain symptoms, such as difficulty (or pain) swallowing, localized stomach pain, vomiting, heartburn, or discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.

Among the main pathologies that the endoscopy exam can identify are: gastritis, reflux, ulcers, infectious diseases, polyps, tumors, and cancer at different stages.

How is endoscopy performed?

During the examination, the flexible tube (to which the camera is attached) is introduced through the patient’s mouth and transmits images of the entire path traveled, so that the health professional can detect any abnormalities.

It is a procedure that tends to cause discomfort in the patient, so the use of anesthetics may be necessary, ranging from throat spray to sedation, depending on the case.

In upper digestive endoscopy, the procedure can last up to 20 minutes. In more severe cases, or when there is a need to remove material for biopsy, the process can last up to half an hour.

How do I prepare for endoscopy?

To prepare for endoscopy, it is necessary to follow all the instructions given by the doctor. In most cases, the patient must not eat solid foods for up to 12 hours before the endoscopy. On the other hand, water consumption is allowed up to four hours before the procedure.

Important: the doctor must be informed about any medication the patient is taking. It is also important to make them aware of allergies and other health conditions, as it may be necessary to stop certain medications (especially anticoagulants and antiplatelets).

Furthermore, it is essential to request that a companion be present to take the patient back home after the procedure.

What to do after the exam?

Many people take sedatives to undergo endoscopy, so they cannot drive or operate machinery after the exam. It is also important that they return home by car (and not by motorcycle, as there is a risk of falling).

It is important to note that the throat may be slightly irritated or even numb, and the patient may feel a slight discomfort in the stomach. Other common signs are nasal congestion and sneezing. In all cases, there is no cause for concern.

Contraindications

There is no contraindication for performing endoscopy. However, patients with neurological, cardiac, or respiratory problems should inform the doctor so that the procedure can be performed appropriately.

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Read also: Upper Digestive Endoscopy | Intragastric Balloon | what is Dysphagia?