Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer describes abnormal cell growth beginning in the stomach, which is a sac of muscle in the upper middle portion of the abdomen, right under the ribs. Stomach cancer is sometimes called gastric cancer, and it can occur within any part of the stomach.

Around the world, stomach cancer is most likely to occur in the stomach body, which is the main part of the stomach. In the United States, on the other hand, stomach cancer is usually found in an area called the gastroesophageal junction, which is the area where the esophagus joins the stomach.

What causes stomach cancer?

While the exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown, certain risk factors can make a person more likely to develop stomach cancer. These risk factors include obesity, consuming a high amount of salty or smoked foods, eating a diet that lacks fruits and vegetables, being infected with H. pylori bacteria, chronic stomach inflammation, smoking, and stomach polyps. You are also more likely to develop stomach cancer if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or you have a family history of stomach cancer. You can reduce your risk of stomach cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, making changes to your diet, and giving up cigarettes if you are a smoker.

What is the prognosis for stomach cancer?

The five-year survival rate for localized stomach cancer is about 69%, meaning that when compared to those who do not have stomach cancer, those who do are 69% as likely to survive for five years after diagnosis. Survival rates are lower if stomach cancer spreads to other areas of the body.

How is stomach cancer treated?

Treatment for stomach cancer depends upon the stage and location of the cancer, as well as a patient’s unique needs and preferences. Treatment options include performing a procedure to remove small cancers from the lining of the stomach, as well as surgery to remove either part of or all of the stomach. Among the other treatment options for stomach cancer are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. These options are typically used for more advanced stage stomach cancer. A medical team may also provide palliative care, which focuses on relieving pain and uncomfortable symptoms associated with cancer.

Common Symptoms

“I started to have a lot of trouble swallowing food, and I felt really full and bloated after a meal.”
“I started to feel so full after eating just a small amount of food that I lost weight without even trying.”
“I was experiencing heartburn and stomach pain all the time, and I had some bouts of nausea and vomiting.”

Sources:

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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6256 reviews

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Wendy B.

Everyone was very friendly and even though the office was full of people I was in and out very quickly. Staff and Dr Donat were great!

REGINA B.

Dr. Bologna and the staff at CDH were wonderful. I felt safe in having my screening there. It is a clean, well-run office, where all of my concerns were addressed in a way I could understand. Every person on staff from check in to anesthesia to checkout were friendly and professional. Thank you 💖

Tiffany Q.

Super friendly and helpful staff. Doctor kept me completely updated on everything.

Lorell L.

Efficient, professional, caring, convenient , and respectful treatment.

Jeanette Y.

The Center was an excellent experience from Roger and Brittany my nurses to the procedure room and Anesthetist, all was smooth. Very caring team and of course a fabulous physician, Dr Weber! Highly recommend this site and team!

Tim S.

Fast and easy. Everyone was very nice

John O.

Staff very cordial . Appreciated the private room . Procedure was efficient and easy. Dr Weber very clear as the results.

Janet M.

Staff were very friendly and helpful. Dr Leonard Quallich called me after my colonoscopy which showed me how thorough and caring he is.

Jeff F.

I needed a scope asap and they got me scheduled in less than a week. The Hospital wait was a month.

Ardin M.

Everything went so smoothly. Helpful and caring staff and nurses made me feel very comfortable. I couldn't have been in better hands. Dr Weber was there to talk about the procedure before and after the exam. If it's time for your colonoscopy, the Center for Digestive Health/Surgical Center is the place to go!

Alex A.

The team was friendly, professional, and courteous

connie J.

I hadn't been in this office for four years. I signed in and found out my appt. was for 11:15 am and not 11:45 am as I thought. The office was so accommodating and was able to get me in though The Medical Assistant who checked me in was so so friendly. Her smile lit up the room.

Tricia K.

Great

CE U.

On time and very efficient

km L.

There's no way I can ever say enough about the amazing and positive experience I had at the center today... Every single step of the process, every single professional that I came in contact with, everything from before the procedure to during the procedure to after the procedure went amazingly well and comfortable for me. Thank you would not be enough to say to the wonderful staff at the Center for Digestive Health

angela B.

I am always pleased coming to get a procedure that mentally is uncomfortable yet, they make it ever so relaxing and comfortable. Everyone is always so pleasant, friendly and accommodating. Thank you so much🤗

Monika D.

Everyone in the office was very nice and respectful and made me feel comfortable. Thank you

Steve H.

Excellent service! I arrived a bit early but they took me back to get ready within 20 minutes or so. They, of course asked lots of questions about my health but in a kind and even humorous way…the male nurse was upbeat, kind and hilarious. When the procedure started, and when I awoke at its conclusion, everyone was kind, attentive and careful. Very professional yet friendly at the same time.

David E M.

Dr Nandi is the best have been seeing him sense He got out of med school, I can relax in his care knowing that everything will work out.

alberta P.

From the moment I arrived and was checking in to walking out the door was truly a comforting experience. At 72 , this was my first colonoscopy. I was definitely surprised at how caring, comforting, and professional the entire staff was. A special thank you to Dr Richard Willie, for trying his hardest to get me into a better place, for which he did. You all should be proud of yourselves for how professional and comforting you all where! Thank you for making an awkward procedure less frightening.

Michelle S.

Very pleasant experience, the staff was excellent, so kind and efficient! Great experience!

K W.

Everyone was great!

sharon S.

Second visit. It's an Excellent facility. Kind, expert and professional medical professionals. I was impressed and thankful for their excellent care! Dr Bakken is excellent.

Bobbi F.

Great experience from start to finish. Super staff!

Lorell L.

The office is clean bright and cheerful. The receptionist was courteous and helpful. The nurse gave a warm welcome and put me at ease. Dr Bologna is a good doctor with great listening skills. He didn’t rush the appointment and I felt confident in his diagnosis and recommendations as I walked out.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6261 reviews

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Mark T.

Everyone was friendly, professional and attentive … the front desk, the nurse, the anathesiologist, the assistant and Dr. Nandi.

Whitney W.

The entire staff was very helpful and kept me informed of the steps of the procedure. Dr Tocco was very skilled and had excellent bedside manner. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone.

Donna K.

Very satisfied.

Denise H.

Center for Digestive Health is a perfect place to go if you have any type of digestive issue. They make you feel very comfortable talking about any issue you may be experiencing and they ask all the appropriate questions all the while putting you at ease. When I called I was worried about something and they worked to get me right in. I saw the PA Noelle and she is just wonderful. Everyone at the desk and beyond are very welcoming and helpful. Dr. Weber has been my doctor there for years and I trust him explicitly. His assistant Debbie always helps me out and listens to me and is always very kind. The office is warm, clean and inviting. There are a few locations and so that makes it very nice. All in all I’m very impressed with this group of Doctors, Nurses and Assistants.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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