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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

Goiter

Moderate
2
Symptoms
4
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.
Goiter
Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is located at the front of the neck and produces hormones that regulate metabolism. A goiter may involve the entire thyroid gland or may occur with one or more thyroid nodules. Some people have no symptoms other than visible or palpable enlargement of the neck. A large goiter can sometimes press on the windpipe or esophagus and cause breathing, coughing, hoarseness, or swallowing problems.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Loss of Appetite Lower Abdominal Pain Persistent Hoarseness Weight Loss
Only in Right Disease
Cough Hoarseness

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Infection Smoking
Only in Right Disease
Genetics High Cholesterol Obesity Stress

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.
Goiter
Evaluation of a goiter begins with examination of the neck and thyroid gland. Blood tests can measure thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroid hormones such as free T4. Thyroid ultrasound can identify enlargement and examine nodules or other structural changes. A thyroid scan and radioactive iodine uptake study may be used in selected cases to assess thyroid function. If a nodule has suspicious features, a biopsy may be recommended to determine whether cancer is present.

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.
Goiter
Adequate iodine intake can prevent many cases of simple goiter caused by iodine deficiency. Using iodized salt appropriately is an established way to maintain adequate iodine intake in populations where deficiency is a concern. Other causes, such as autoimmune thyroid disease or genetic susceptibility, cannot always be prevented. Avoiding unnecessary exposure to factors that affect thyroid function and obtaining medical evaluation for persistent neck swelling can help identify thyroid disorders early.

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.
Goiter
Risk factors vary according to the underlying cause. Being over age 40, having a family history of goiter, and living or having grown up in an area where iodine deficiency occurs can increase risk of some types. Women are more frequently affected by simple goiter. Autoimmune thyroid disease, certain medicines, smoking, and conditions that cause thyroid nodules or abnormal thyroid hormone production can also increase the likelihood of thyroid enlargement.

Treatment

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