Stomach cancer and Stomach ulcer are two distinct conditions that affect the same organ, the stomach. While some of the symptoms associated with these conditions are similar, there are a few that are quite different. But before we discuss these similarities and differences, let’s take a quick look at what Stomach Ulcer and Stomach cancer are.

What is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer is a unique type of cancer that originates from the stomach. The most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma, which develops from the innermost lining of the stomach (the mucosa). The cancerous growth spreads through the lining of the stomach wall and from there it moves to the organs closest to it (Spleen and pancreas) and the lymph nodes. It is equally capable of spreading through the entire lymph system and getting as far as organs like the liver, bones, and lungs.

What is Peptic Ulcer or Stomach Ulcer?

This is usually an open sore in the upper of the digestive tract. Stomach ulcer is mostly of two types; gastric ulcer, which is formed in the lining of the stomach, and duodenal ulcer, which is formed in the upper part of the intestine.

STOMACH CANCER VS STOMACH ULCER, SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Stomach Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Early symptoms of stomach cancer are not definitive and are most times vague. However, you need to seek medical help if you notice that you exhibit any of the symptoms enumerated below.

• A feeling of satisfaction after consuming a small quantity if food.
• Mild upper abdominal discomfort associated with loss of appetite and nausea.
• Difficulty swallowing food because if a tumor in the upper part of the stomach close to the esophagus.

The symptoms below, however, may indicate advanced cancer.

• Iron deficiency anemia.
• Severe nausea and vomiting-a late stage symptom brought about by the blockage of the stomach drainage by the enlarging cancer.
• Chronic weight loss
• Constant fatigue
• Overt Blood loss-vomiting blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds.
• Passing out black stool.

Gastric and Duodenal Ulcer Signs and Symptoms   

Stomach ulcers do not usually cause symptoms. Sudden bleeding or bad upper abdominal pain is the first indication of stomach ulcer. The most common symptom of gastric ulcer is abdominal pain. Others include stomach ulcer pain:

• Usually in the mid part of the abdomen, a little above the navel and below the breast bone
• That feels like burning or gnawing that may go all the way to the back.
• Often severe late in the night or in the early hours of the morning.
• Often comes several hours after meals when the stomach was previously empty.
• That can last a few minutes or several long hours.
• That may be relieved by food, vomiting, and antacid.

Nausea, Vomiting, loss of appetite and weight are also subtle signs of stomach ulcer. Severe ulcer on the other hand reveals itself through bleeding in the duodenum or stomach. The bleeding may be fast or slow. Fast bleeding may manifest itself in one of two ways:

1. Blood in stool or black, sticky looking stools.
2. Vomiting of blood or substance that looks exactly like coffee grounds. This, unlike other symptoms is an emergency and must be treated with utmost urgency in the emergency department of a hospital.

Slow bleeding is difficult to detect and may not have dramatic symptoms like those associated with fast bleeding.

• Slow bleeding may lead to anemia (low blood cell count)
• Symptoms of anemia such as fatigue, lethargy, weakness, rapid heartbeat and pallor (pale skin).

CAUSES OF STOMACH CANCER VS STOMACH ULCER

Stomach Cancer Causes

Stomach cancer is currently the second largest cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. Possible causes of stomach cancer include:

• Old age (not all cases).
• Tobacco consumption (cigarette smoking).
• History of pernicious anemia (severe progressive disease brought about by the inability of the body to absorb vitamin B-12)
• Family history of stomach cancer is a risk factor in the disease.
• People with blood type A are prone to having stomach cancer.
• Having steady diets that are deficient in vegetables, fresh fruits and are rich in salted or smoked fish or meat and poorly preserved foods.
• Recent studies have associated stomach cancer with people who are chronically infected with Helicobacter pylori, a common cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer.
• Stomach cancer is also prevalent among male folks.

Stomach Ulcer Causes

In the past, it was believed that stomach ulcer was caused by poor eating habits, cigarette smoking and accumulated stress. Now, it is understood that people with ulcers tend to have an imbalance between acid and pepsin coupled with the inability of the digestive tract to deal with harsh substances in the stomach like hydrochloric acid. This acid together with pepsin help in the digestion of the food we eat. Partial digestion of food occurs in the stomach before being transferred to the duodenum for further digestion. Peptic ulcers occur when hydrochloric acid alongside enzyme pepsin overcome the defense mechanism of the gastrointestinal tract and goes further to damage the wall of mucosa.

Results of the researches conducted in the 1980s show that stomach ulcer can be caused by bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori, H pylori). This, however, does not mean that everyone who has ulcer is infected with H pylori. Regular intake of aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause peptic ulcers. The following factors and substances can equally cause stomach cancer.

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Cigarette
• Radiation therapy used for cancer treatment.
• Stress and physical injuries (burns or major surgery)
• Elderly people with arthritis are especially vulnerable to stomach ulcer

If you take these medications such aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs regularly, it is important to discuss other alternatives with your health care provider. It is even more pressing if heart burn or stomach upset is a side effect of using such drugs.

Stomach Ulcer Spread by Feces

H pylori bacteria which have been found to be one of the causes of peptic ulcer can spread through the stool of an infected person. In settlements and environments where hygiene is extremely poor, this stool is capable of contaminating food and water as well. When these are ingested, the H pylori bacteria find its way into the digestive tract of the individual. This is known as fecal-oral transmission. The bacteria are located in the stomach where they can easily destroy its lining and that of the duodenum. People who are newly infected with the bacteria begin to exhibit symptoms few weeks after being infected.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF STOMACH CANCER?

• If you have burning sensations in the upper region of your stomach that can be relieved by eating or taking antacids ensure that you pay a visit to your health care provider for proper examination. Never conclude on your own that you have ulcer as many other conditions trigger similar symptoms.
• Peptic ulcers may cause severe bleeding which may need blood transfusion or surgery. If you notice that you vomit blood or have other signs of gastro-intestinal bleeding, go immediately to the emergency unit of your hospital.
• Severe pain in the abdomen can also be an indication of perforation or tearing of an ulcer. This condition may also require surgery to fix the hole in your stomach.
• Abdominal pain and vomiting could equally be a sign of obstruction, a peptic ulcer symptom that may require surgery.

Sources: Medicinenet  and other sources