Mahasyöpään

Mahasyöpään is a Finnish term that translates to stomach cancer or gastric cancer. It refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the stomach. This disease can develop in any part of the stomach and can spread to other organs, such as the esophagus, small intestine, and lymph nodes.

The exact causes of mahasyöpään are not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified. These include infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, a diet high in salt and smoked foods, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a history of stomach ulcers or pernicious anemia. Genetic factors may also play a role.

Symptoms of mahasyöpään can be subtle in the early stages and may include indigestion, heartburn, nausea, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. As the cancer progresses, more severe symptoms may appear, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and blood in the stool.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, endoscopy with biopsy, and imaging tests like CT scans or barium swallows. Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these. Early detection significantly improves the prognosis for mahasyöpään.