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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Robert R.

Every person I came in contact with had a smile, was very pleasant and professional.

Don S.

I was very pleased with my visit to this office. I got in within minutes of my appointment. I had my questions answered and was out quickly. Everyone was very pleasant.

Yukari W.

easy to follow instructions for prep. Very comfortable office and preoperative care. Excellent bedside manner of Dr. Nandi. Highly recommend.

Sharley C.

Really good experience. They were on time, couldn’t be any nicer, procedure was handled professionally and did a stellar job. No sore throat with throat scope. You’re in great hands here. I have no negatives at all Sharley Campbell

Debra R.

Easy check in. Everyone using masks and social distancing making everyone feel safe. Best sleep ever! Just wish nurses taking me on way to recovery weren't talking so loud. Great physician! I see why my PCP highly recommended her. She discusses pertinent information before and after the procedure. Nurses were great! Thorough question, history and answer timeframe and provided me with warmed gown and blanket. I will recommend this physician and facility to others.

Carolyn Z.

Staff were pleasant and professional.

Nancy R.

This was my first colonoscopy, and the overall process is not pleasant no matter what you do. But, when it came to the finish line, the CDH staff was kind, courteous, and skilled which all helped to ease my anxiety to end on a positive note. Thank you!

joann B.

The appointment was made in a timely manner. Nickoli the PA was exceptionally attentive to my husband, Tom, who was the patient. She spoke clearly and faced her when speaking ti him. She even wrote down all the instructions for him to follow. She certainly is an asset to the practice.

Joan P.

Everything was perfect. I had to change my appointment due to an upcoming unexpected surgery. The receptionist truly helped to move my appointment up, able to see doctor prior to surgery. Very short wait upon arrival. A nice assistant asked a few questions prior to seeing Dr. Nandi. As always, all of my questions were answered, treated with kindness & a feeling of comfort. Thankful for my care.

marcie W.

Difficult proceedure to schedule because its not a fun one!! However, the entire experience was incredible....except the prep of course! Dr. Bakken and staff make everything so easy. Thank you so much!

Mj B.

Everyone in the office treated me with respect and dignity. From the receptionist to the Dr this was a good experience!

Lynda E.

Everyone at the Center for Digestive Health was very friendly and professional.

HANK W.

Very friendly and a well-oiled machine!

james C.

Feel I was treated very well! Nice and professional staff thank you very much

Debbie L.

I was impress with the way I was treated and felt so @ ease

Tag Up With L.

Dr. Bakken and the entire staff at CFDH were kind, professional, and felt taken care of for my first colonoscopy. Highly recommend.

Pam P.

The nurses,doctor, and the anesthesiologist treated me very well. I was very comfortable with the procedure. Thank you all very much

Anne R.

Our first visit with Dr Wille was a good one. He is pleasant, reassuring and calming. Gave us good advise. Staff was very helpful

Jeffrey R.

Great knowledge and listening skills. My Doctor focuses on the medical history 1st; Which says a ton about any professional, but definitely a physician.

Adrienne R.

My experience was excellent from start to finish. Every person that I interacted with was very compassionate and made me feel relaxed prior to my procedure. Also, the prep was not as horrible as I have experienced in the past, which is really the worst part of the whole thing! Also, such a relief to know that everything looked great and I don’t have to go back for another 5 years. With family history, it can be very scary.

John P.

The entire staff from the time i set up the procedure thru completion and going home was very profesional. All staff members were very kind and courteous and answered all my questions that i had in a way i could easily understand.

Bob P.

Dr. Weber is excellent. Personable and friendly. His staff is reflects his caring.

J S.

First time patient at this provider. I arrived for my procedure on time and was taken to an exam/recovery room pretty quick. First time meeting Dr Quallich and he was friendly, professional and seemed very knowledgeable. All of the staff I encountered were great - personable and efficient. I was treated extremely well by all.

Deb W.

The staff is amazing - Dr. Willie was wonderful. His bedside manner was pleasant, made me feel comfortable right away. Everyone from the front desk to the before surgery, after entering the surgery room and the aftercare was excellent. I never went there before and was a bit nervous but that went away immediately. I would highly recommend this office. Thank you to everyone there. Truly genuine and caring. Keep up the great work!

Todd

First time having a procedure done here. Staff was great. Definitely will use again in the future, if needed.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6261 reviews

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Marlo G.

Highly recommend Dr. Donat

Lucy J.

Staff is efficient and nice. Covid procedures made me feel safe.

Susan W.

This practice is very impressive. They are professional, efficient, thorough, kind, and caring. The staff was very helpful in the days leading up to my procedure and during the procedure as well. I would recommend them to anyone in need of a GI procedure.

heather D.

Great staff. I had a procedure done and they made it very comfortable and were extremely helpful. Highly recommend.

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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