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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Stomach Cancer

Unknown
4
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Esophageal Cancer

Unknown
3
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the lining of the stomach. It may develop gradually and can cause indigestion, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, difficulty eating, or unexplained weight loss. Early disease may produce few or nonspecific symptoms, so persistent digestive symptoms require appropriate medical evaluation.
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Early disease may cause few or no symptoms. As the tumor grows, people may develop difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, weight loss, chest discomfort, or persistent indigestion.

Symptoms

Shared
Persistent Hoarseness Weight Loss
Only in Left Disease
Loss of Appetite Lower Abdominal Pain
Only in Right Disease
Hoarseness

Causes

Shared
Smoking
Only in Left Disease
Infection
Only in Right Disease
Alcohol

Diagnosis

Stomach Cancer
Diagnosis generally involves upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, during which the stomach lining can be examined directly and a biopsy can be taken for microscopic analysis. Imaging such as CT scans may be used to determine the extent of disease. Additional tests may be performed to assess tumor characteristics and possible spread.
Esophageal Cancer
Diagnosis usually begins with evaluation of swallowing difficulty, chest or upper abdominal symptoms, weight loss, and other concerning findings. Upper endoscopy allows direct examination of the esophagus and collection of tissue for biopsy. CT, PET, or other imaging may then be used to assess the tumor, nearby structures, lymph nodes, and possible spread.

Prevention

Stomach Cancer
Risk reduction includes avoiding tobacco, maintaining a balanced diet with adequate fruits and vegetables, limiting heavily salted, smoked, or preserved foods, and identifying and treating Helicobacter pylori infection when appropriate. People with significant inherited or medical risk factors should follow individualized medical advice regarding surveillance.
Esophageal Cancer
Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing chronic acid reflux can help reduce several risk factors associated with esophageal cancer. People with Barrett esophagus should follow recommended medical surveillance and treatment. Persistent or progressive difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or other concerning symptoms should be medically evaluated.

Risk Factors

Stomach Cancer
Risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic gastritis, smoking, family history, certain inherited cancer syndromes, increasing age, diets high in heavily salted or preserved foods, and previous stomach surgery or certain precancerous stomach conditions.
Esophageal Cancer
Risk factors include cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol use, chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett esophagus, obesity, certain dietary patterns, and increasing age. Some inherited conditions, environmental exposures, and previous abnormalities of the esophagus may also increase risk. Risk varies according to the type of esophageal cancer.

Treatment

Stomach Cancer
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Esophageal Cancer
Treatment comparison will be available soon.