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.”

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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6227 reviews

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Renna G.

On schedule and Dr Wille always is caring and listening to me as a patient.

Audrey B.

The office staff and clinical staff were all very friendly, Doctor was friendly. The check-in process was professional and efficient. Communication about the prep involved with a colonoscopy was great- I did not feel confused on what to do or when to start because instructions were clear and presented in advance.

Richard F.

These people really have their act together. Everyone was very friendly and professional. I felt very comfortable being in their care.

LuCritia B.

Everyone from the time I checked in to the time I left was so helpful. Again thank you all so very much.

email S.

Great staff. My colitis is much better.

Mary S.

Dr.Willie and his staff are wonderful. My procedure went.well. All my questions were addressed. I felt very comfortable in the procedure room.

Susan J.

Everyone one was so kind.. try all made you feel like you were a part of their family.. everything went well and I was fine before I knew it.. thank you to everyone.. Susan 😉

George T.

Very professional and very caring of their patients wellbeing, during and after the procedure.

Lee M.

Professional, compassionate and workers had great attitudes

Linda B.

Nice staff and very professional.

Kelly R.

I have seen many Gastro Dr's in my life, but Dr. Bolonga and his stafg have been the best so far. I feel like im finally getting some way over due answers to stomach problems I have had for ove half my life now. Thank you so much to Dr. Bolonga and staff for all your help sooo far. Kelly

Neil H.

Our whole family have been patients of the Center for many years and have enjoyed the service and attention we receive. The operation runs like a well-oiled machine and the doctors and nurses are extremely helpful in explaning our procedures and answering any questions we might have.

Kathryn K.

Staff explained all information provided and made sure that I understood what was provided to me.

Gerald L.

Dr. Willie was awesome. Professional and thorough and my procedure was done in 20 mins.

Michael C.

The doctors and nurses were very kind and very efficient. My procedure was done professionally and very easy for me. I would recommend Dr. Bologna and his staff for anyone with lnternal gastro needs or problems.

Sharon S.

Best colonoscopy in town!

Patti S.

My visit went smoothly, quickly and professionally. I urged you not to judge the office by the reception area which is greatly in need of a renovation. The remainder of the office is modern and professional.

The J.

This was my first Colonoscopy. I experienced a first class experience start to finish. After walking me through and finishing the prep phase, I was greeted by staff the day of the procedure and finished within two hours. Thank you all again for this positive experience.

Cheryl O.

I do not usually take the time to leave a review, unless I receive exceptional service, either good or bad. Well my experience yesterday was praise worthy!! Check in was quick, I was treated wonderfully throughout! The facility is exceptionally clean and the entire staff is caring and professional!!

Dave A.

Great staff and location

Martha S.

Great experience in having a colonoscopy (if that is possible!). Dr Qualich is great

Linda A.

Enjoyed how quick the process went. Very professional.

Jere R.

Professional. Took time to listen to my challenges. Highly recommend.

Jeff H.

No one looks forward to a colonoscopy but the staff and doctors did a great job making the procedure as easy as possible. Everyone was caring and compassionate and concerned about my wellbeing.

Jeffrey S.

The staff was very nice and professional, I was really impressed with how comfortable and knowledgeable they were.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

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Cathy W.

From the pleasant staff to the wonderful and understanding Dr. Saeed ,I felt that my concerns and questions were heard and professionally answered. I would highly recommend using the Troy Center for Digestive Health.

Barbara F.

Very caring and professional practice.

Michele R.

Dr. Wille thoroughly explained the procedure I needed to have done .

Dorinda M.

Super nice staff! Very professional and everyone had a smile!

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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