Fear of stomach cancer

[Irene Beh]

I'm 32 years old. Height 165 cm, weight 68 kg.  Recently delivered my 2nd baby on 22.5.2003 weight 3.26 kg. I had an Upper GT Endoscopy on 27.5.1999 revealed 1/2 of my stomach with acid, bad bacteria and the surface in my stomach looked sore due to acid.  Doctor described my situation medium to severe. Also did my ECG, blood tests and abdomen ultrasound.  All normal.  Medications given for 3 weeks with Losec, motilium and antibiotic for bad bacteria.  Then I was on Zantac for few months.  I stopped my medications after one year of the endoscopy until now.  I didn't control my food and my diet was quite bad (fried stuffs, caffeine, sweet stuffs, high in fat, tip-bits & etc.), but I'm not a smoker or on alkohol.  I'm also born to be a stressful, nervous, anxious and emotional person.

Then I had difficulty in swallowing my food and food sticking in my throat for 2 weeks 3 years back,  I took a chinese medicine and the symptoms gone until now.  I sometimes had indigestions off and on and experience burning sensation in my stomach, the symptoms get worse if I'm facing anxiety.  I also had stomach bloating if too full or continuously been eating off and on for a day.  I burp very often before and after food.  Sometimes I can feel the gas in my throat and after having American breakfast in the morning, when I burp in the afternoon, I can still smell the food. Recently my dad age 57 heavy smoker admitted due to ulcer in his oesophagus, no bad bacteria and currently on medications.  I also had a word with the doctor who treats my father and I have told him about my indigestion and I was alerted to go for endoscopy again as it may have possibility of having stomach cancer.  My mother age 54 was diagnosed with abdomen cancer 4 years ago, her cancer relapsed after chemo 1 1/2 years ago and now she is O.K. after 2nd time chemo. Besides that, my sister also having gastro problem exactly like me but combination with vomitting sometimes after food but she refuse to go for check-up. My husband age 38 as well having the same problem that I'm having.

My concern is whether I should go for endoscopy again coz I really do not know how to take it if the result came out positive as I have seen my mother suffered a lot.  I didn't do my colonscopy before. I sometimes have loosen stools and hard one, depends on the food that I'm taking but diarrhea to me nowadays take 5 days to recover with medications compare to before I had gastro problem with only 2 days of medications. Does cancer normally starts when there is an ulcer combination with pain in the stomach.  All the while I didn't have any pain or vomitting besides having the symptoms as mentioned above.  Do I have to go for colonscopy also?  If I change my diet now, will it work?  How many times do you think I should go for endoscopy with my health history as mentioned above.

I hope my information will be sufficient for your goodselves to answer my questions.

TQVM.

Regards,

[Kevin Pho, MD]

99% percent of stomach cancers occur after the age of 40 and 90% percent occur over the age of 55.  With your age of 32, it would be unlikely that stomach cancer is present.  

The presence of H Pylori (the presume bacteria you are describing) however is a risk factor for stomach cancer, and this should be treated with appropriate antibiotics.  

If you are still having symptoms, I would suggest another upper endoscopy since the last one was 4 years ago.  If that is negative, and there is still problems, you may want to consider a modified barium swallow or 24-hour esophageal manometry to evaluate for any esophageal motility conditions that would cause the problems swallowing.  

Regarding the colonoscopy, it is normally recommended at age 50 if no symptoms, or age 40 if there is a family history of colon cancer.  If your mother had definite colon cancer or polyps, then I would recommend a colonoscopy at age 40.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[yoshi]

what chinese medicine did you take??

[PAJ]

Your symptoms are all too familiar, the doctors are in denial with the condition see if you relate to this .If you need more info post

Dr. Truss, author of The Missing Diagnosis, is an internist in Birmingham, Alabama. He has had more than 20 years of clinical experience with over 3,000 candida patients. He is convinced that yeast is implicated in a wide variety of human ills, from depression and hormonal disturbances to allergic reactions and auto-immune diseases. Chronic yeast infections, he believes, may be a causative factor in diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, schizophrenia, myasthenia gravis and lupus.
Article by Dr Truss
Lack of energy and digestive disturbances, arthritic joint pains, skin disease, menstrual problems, emotional instability and depression. All symptoms of what I call the 'antibiotic syndrome' which have greatly increased in frequency in recent years.
On further examination, more symptoms may be discovered. Most of the gastro-intestinal tract is tender when pressed, especially the small intestine, liver and gall bladder. There may even have been a gall bladder operation that failed to improve the condition, sometimes even worsening the symptoms.
There could be a history of thrush or oral, anal or vaginal itching. When these are present the diagnosis of Candida is obvious but it may also be present in the absence of these manifestations and that can be somewhat confusing. The yeast or fungus Candida albicans, of course, thrives during antibiotic treatment. I regard it as reckless negligence to prescribe antibiotics without simultaneous fungicides and replacement therapy with lactobacilli afterwards. I believe that this practice has greatly added to our vast pool of a chronically sick population.
However, the 'antibiotic syndrome' is not just due to Candida. I regard it more generally as a 'dysbiosis' where the wrong kind of microbes inhabit the intestinal tract, not just Candida and other fungi, but many types of pathogenic bacteria including coli bacteria which are normal in the colon but become disease-forming when they ascend into the small intestine.
If the problem has existed for years, there is usually a lack of gastric acid which then allows the stomach to be colonised by microbes, causing inflammation with pain and later, ulcers. The toxins released by the microbial overpopulation cause in addition chronic inflammation of the liver, gall bladder, pancreas and intestines. I regard it as rather likely that a chronic inflammation of the pancreas is a major contributing factor in the development of insulin-dependent diabetes.
Bacterial attack
Specific types of pathogenic bacteria appear to cause or contribute to specific auto-immune diseases. One variety of coli bacteria, for instance, produces a molecule that is very similar to insulin. When the immune system becomes activated against this molecule it may then also attack related features at the beta cells of the pancreas
Another type of bacteria, Yersinia enterocolitica, induces an immune response that attacks the thyroid gland and leads to Grave's disease with a serious overproduction of thyroid hormones.
Ulcerative colitis is linked to overgrowth with pathogenic microbes, the same as Crohn's disease, osteoporosis and ankylosing spondylitis. In ankylosing spondylitis the vertebra of the spine fuse together causing stiffness and pain. Other joints may in time become affected.
Klebsiella, another type of pathogenic bacteria, produces a molecule that is similar to a tissue type found in people with this disease. When klebsiella numbers in the gut decrease, related antibodies in the blood decrease and the condition improves.
Rheumatoid arthritis is linked to other bacteria, called proteus. Proteus is also a common cause of urinary tract infections. Women suffer urinary tract infections as well as rheumatoid arthritis twice as often as men, while men usually have higher levels of klebsiella and three times more ankylosing spondylitis than women.
In addition microbial overgrowth dam ages the intestinal wall so that only partly digested food particles can pass into the bloodstream, causing allergies. In this way all auto-immune diseases can be linked to food allergies.
While rheumatoid arthritis is a frequent feature of the antibiotic syndrome, and I regard it as relatively easy to cure, not many sufferers of this disease seem to be interested in this natural approach. The other day a young man with severe rheumatoid arthritis knocked at my door to collect money for a medically sponsored walkathon. When I told him that I do not give money for drug treatment as it can be overcome with natural therapies, he shouted: 'You are mad!' and left visibly upset.
Other auto-immune diseases that have so far been linked to dysbiosis are psoriasis, lupus erythematosus and pancreatitis. When remedies are given that bind bacterial endotoxins, these conditions usually improve. A further consequence of dysbiosis is susceptibility to food poisoning as with salmonella bacteria, while a healthy intestinal flora prevents these from multiplying and causing trouble.
Staphylococcus aureus or golden staph cause serious infections in hospital patients. It has been found that not only golden staph but also other infections are greatly potentised when they occur with a Candida overgrowth. As Candida overgrowth is a natural outcome of the standard hospital treatment, it is easy to see why golden staph is so deadly in hospitals.
A similar picture emerges with AIDS. People do not die from the AIDS virus but from Candida-potentised bacterial infections. I also see the antibiotic-induced dysbiosis in babies and infants as the main cause of their frequent infections, glue ear and greatly contributing to cot death.
While it used to be uncommon for children to have more than one or two infections a year, now more than six is the norm.
In the 1940's Candida was found in only three per cent of autopsies, now the figure is nearer thirty per cent. There are, of course, other factors that can cause dysbiosis - the contraceptive pill, steroids and other drugs, radiation treatment and chemotherapy - but the main culprit is, without doubt, antibiotics.
Closely related to Candida are the mycoplasms or pleomorphic organisms. These have been shown to be a main factor in the causation of cancer. Therefore, antifungal therapy has also major benefits in cancer treatment.
Dr Orian Truss
In 1953 Dr Orian Truss discovered the devastating effects of antibiotics in  Alabama (USA)
Tests &  Treatment

[tessa0825]

Im sure no Dr.,but you do need to have an EGD. Especially with the symptoms you mention of painful and difficult swallowing.....An EGD is the best way a Dr. can evaluate the health of your esophagus. If you are experiencing pains that might be caused from stricture  Drs. can dialate them during EGD and make swallowing much easier...They can see visually exactly what damage there might be and also, if need be, they can take biopsies of anything that looks suspicious....Tessa

[Katenyc]

Hi Tessa,

When they do an EGD, do they automatically test for stomach cancer?  I too have had a worry about this lately, as my gerd problem is uncontrolled and I have a suspicion that something out there is exacerbating it.  I was not really focusing on this, but I have had lots of indigestion and stomach bloat in the last couple of months, which is very unusual for me.  I never mentioned it to my doc because I thought it was just something that would pass.  I had an EGD, and she did take some stomach biopsies, but I assume that was for ulcers and h. pylori.  All those were negative.

Thanks,

Kate

[Katenyc]

PAJ,

How do you get rid of candida if you have it?

Thanks,

Kate

[tessa0825]

I can't answer your question because I don't know....I would think they would test, biopsy, any areas that look suspicious in the areas they can see during the EGD.....I know they biopsy alot for H-Pylori when doing EGDs and my personal experience has almost solely been for esophageal damage....Of course they can biopsy the esophagus if they suspect barrett's or cancer...they also can diagnose things like gastritis, duodenitis, esophagitis, ulcers, and strictures during EGD, I imagine there are many other things they can test for that fortunatey I have had no personal need to be tested for......I thought when I was told I had esophageal ulcers that I must also have H-Pylori but I found that is not always the case either....My ulcers were caused solely from the acid reflux as was the stricture......Kate, if you arent getting answers from your GI maybe its time to talk to your PCP about referring you to another Dr for a 2nd opinion.......

Ive also heard you say that you thought there might be an anxiety connection to your reflux but that you dont want to take any anxiety meds.....Alot of people seem to think there is an anxiety connection with GERD....If you doubt that read that famous post by Dr. Shipco....Have you thought about trying other ways to reduce stress and anxiety to see if it helps your symptoms? ....Guided Imagery is one option that might do some good....Right before my recent surgery, The hosp gave me two CDs to use with a head set before, during, and after surgery to help with stress...They were titled "Guided Imagery for Stressful Times" They claim it reduces hosp. stay time, helps with pain control, creates a relaxing atmosphere, enhances sleep, strengthens the immune system and enhance the ability to heal, and increases self-confidence and self-control.....I continued to use one of them during my recovery at home......One of my best friends who is fighting lung cancer also uses guided imagery while receiving her chemo......
It was just a thought I had...Hang in there....Tessa

[Katenyc]

Tessa,

Thanks.  I'd like to buy that CD, Guided Imagery for Stressful Times.  Do you know the author?  That may be helpful.

I plan to talk to my doc this week about a lot of things.  I think there is something going on bacteria-wise with my stool as well, and I have no idea if there would be a connection, but the longer this goes, the more I feel that something is exacerbating the gerd.  I know I have it already, but I feel like I'm being pushed over the edge by something else.  Just a strong feeling that I have.

Thanks for your help.

Kate

[tessa0825]

Yes, they are featured by Diane L. Tusek..You can obtain them by contacting ...
Guided Imagery,Inc.
2937 Lamplight Lane
Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094
***@****

She is founder and president of Guided Imagery, Inc.

[Katenyc]

Thanks, Tessa.

[PAJ]

Kate, you get rid of yeast with long term triple therapy prescription drugs [ideally] Most know yeast infections as thrush, vaginal thrush in particular. That is an overgrowth and is treated almost miraculously by Diflucan (Fluconazole) With a gut infection it’s not so simple .Yeast is dimorphic [has two shapes] it can produce hyphea [sp] this it’s thought contributes to it’s pathogenicy .it also escapes from the gut to become systemic . The shocking thing about yeast is the almost complete  lack of response from the medical community , at the moment unless you can get to one of the few candida doctors you will end up treating yourself.
BTW many thought with the symptoms of yeast they had cancer ,if you need more info don’t hesitate to post.

Useful links
   Candida forum       http://www.healthyawareness.com/candida_general/TOP.htm

Treatment protocol     http://drcranton.com/CFIDS.htm#CFIDS%20Paper

Fungi & bowel disease    http://www.mercola.com/2003/sep/13/inflammatory_bowel_disease.htm

[TJV]

  Dr Shipco speaks about primary bile reflux as a cause of gerd--- with anxiety / panic disorder only. You have to be diagnosed with anxiety panic disorder by a phychiatrist .-- and your average stressed out gerd patient does not have anxiety panic disorder.--- or certainly not primary bile reflux--that is rare-- therefore his unproven theory does not apply to the average gerd patient.-- if it applies to anyone.

His proposed treatment with Xanax- contradicts GERD - because xanax weakens the LES. It does reduce transient LES relaxations however, but not a drug to tamper with.

Some of these anti anxiety and anti depressant drugs act as muscle relaxants, as well as desensitize the esophagus-- things that have little to do with stress--

However all illnesses cause stress-- stress can exacerbate but not actually cause gerd-- and imagery, meditation, etc is a fine idea. I  too,like others-- believe that meds are not the only cure for depression. Taking care of the condition or illness that is causing the depression is a much better solution

[tessa0825]

TJV, My Dr. says exactly the same thing you just said in reference to xanax effect on the LES......After reading about so many people being treated with xanax, for their GERD, I asked him if it would help me, I got a resounding NO, for the reasons you just stated....Thanks for this explanation.....

[banana1]

Although dr.s tell you that you do not have to worry about stomach cancer under 40, i suggest that you do have another endoscopy.  i was 32 when i was diagnosed with gastric cancer.  i suffered from constant stomach pain and nausea.  i went to my gastro and luckily he performed an endoscopy.  he found severe gastritis, an ulcer and h pylori.  he sent me some medicine and said that i would start feeling better.  then, a week later, i got the call.  the area where i had the ulcer was malignant.  long story short, i was very lucky that it was caught early and will hopefully live a long life.  a year later i still do worry but move on.  my suggestion is don't go by the norm and do what gives you a peace of mind.  go get that endoscopy.

[Irene Beh]

Thanks very much for all your comments.  I had my endoscopy done already on 5.11.2003 & nothing was found except 3 mm of stomach polic (not sure spelling correct).  Doctor took my specimen for biopsy and the result will be out in a weeks time but the doctor said 99% benign coz very unlikely stomach polic will turn to cancer but not for colon (will likely turn to cancerous later).  I also had my abdominal ultrasound and everything was normal.  I'm on 1 week's medication of Zempro to reduce my stomach acid.

I appreciate very much for you guys' comments.  



Cheers,

[kc54711]

I got the excatly symton as you,  does the stomach polyps will cause stomach pain?

[Irene Beh]

Hi kc54711, I suggest you go for endoscopy coz this is the best way to know what is happening.  Have you done one? I don't have stomach pain but I have very chronic stomach acid that I can always feel burning sensation in my stomach.  Anyway, different people, different kind of symptoms.  Some people experience chronic stomach pain have not developed stomach cancer.

[kc54711]

Thank your comment ,Irene,I got an ultra sounds done for my gallbaldder,which found so many polyps grow inside against the gallbladder wall,(but no stone)and the Dr not sure the polyps cause my pain in the stomach ,I m waiting for an (URGENT)endoscopy mean probaly need to wait for 2 months..(CANADA here),is stressful enough to wait n see what happen,the more info I read more scary I feel.

[Irene Beh]

Hi, glad to hear that you already done your ultrasound.  Eventhough I'm not a doctor, but I'm quite confident enough to say that your stomach pain may be the cause of the polyps in your gallblader.  So don't worry so much.  Coz my husband experience severe stomach pain which due to gallstone in his gallblader and infection.  Surgery done 2 years back for the removal of his gallblader and few big stones.  He did his ultrasound and endoscopy.  His endoscopy reveals that he had an infection of H.pylori bacteria and an antibiotic was given to treat the same.  Now he is O.K.

So, don't worry.  I would not think that you have any critical deseases you should worry about.

So relax.    

Cheers,

[kc54711]

all i can do is wait:)i hope is nothing serious...is nice to have someone talk about it,thanks again...

[jayb30]

A related discussion, help me please was started.