Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that occurs due to uncontrollable growth caused by abnormal cells in the stomach. The stomach, basically situated in the upper abdomen below the ribs, plays an important role in the digestion process. Most stomach cancers begin in the lining of the stomach, and it can occur in any part of the stomach; however, depending on geographical locations, there are certain regions where it most commonly sets in. Worldwide, stomach cancer tends to develop in the main part of the stomach, also called the stomach body. In some countries, however, the upper part of the stomach is more likely to be affected, that is, where the junction with the oesophagus is located.
What Is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer begins when cells in the inner lining of the stomach undergo mutations in their DNA that cause them to grow uncontrollably. These changes interfere with normal cell function, which then causes the cell to multiply without control and results in the accumulation of cells in the form of tumours. If this type of cancer is diagnosed in its early stages and confined within the stomach, then the prognosis is usually very good, with long-term survival possible. Unfortunately, gastric cancer is often diagnosed in the later stages of the disease when the cancer has most likely spread from the stomach, treatment is more difficult, and the chance of cure is smaller.
Large factors in the type of treatment to be used are the location of the cancer within the stomach and the stage of the cancer. For example, a tumour in the body of the stomach might be treated differently from one at the junction where the oesophagus connects to the stomach. Surgery to remove the tumour and surrounding tissues is generally the main treatment. Other treatments may be employed either before or following surgery to help improve results. These include chemotherapy, radiation, or even targeted drug therapy.
Early Warning Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of stomach cancer are meek, and most often forge an undercurrent in the early beginning; this being a very big factor contributing to late diagnosis. Common early symptoms include the following:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent belly pain
- Feeling full after eating
- Feeling full after consuming small amounts of food
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent heartburn
- Indigestion that doesn't go away
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
- Black stools-the symptom showing bleeding
Later in the course of the disease, symptoms will include more severe forms, such as hematemesis, considerable weight loss, and an enlarged abdomen due to fluid build-up. When stomach cancer has metastasized, having invaded another part of the body, symptoms associated with the affected area may also start to develop. For instance, when the cancer spreads to the liver, it can result in jaundice, dark urine, and yellow eyes and skin. When it metastasizes to the lymph nodes, lumps can become palpable even from under the skin.
Causes and Risk Factors
Although the exact cause of stomach cancer remains unknown, there are believed to be certain causative and risk factors for the disease. Injury to the lining of the stomach is one major precursor to cancer. Etiologies are pretty varied and include infections like Helicobacter pylori, chronic gastritis, and long-standing reflux. Life course factors contributing to the high risk of stomach cancer include dietary factors such as a highly salty and smoked food intake, smoking, and low intake of fruits and vegetables.
Genetics also play a role, and people with family members who have had stomach cancer, or those with specific inherited conditions, like Lynch syndrome or hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, are at a greater risk. It can be further encouraged by exposure to certain harmful chemicals or other substances. There are also different types of stomach cancer.
There are several types of stomach cancer, which are classified based on the types of cells from which the cancer develops. The most common type is adenocarcinoma, which begins forming in the mucus-producing cells lining the surface of the stomach. Other types include:
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours: These develop in the special nerve cells that are found in the walls of the digestive system.
Carcinoid tumours: these are neuroendocrine tumours that arise from cells performing both nerve cell functions and hormone production.
Lymphoma: a cancer that originates from immune system cells, specifically those that are important in fighting infections.
Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer
Diagnosis of stomach cancer is generally made by combining various techniques to establish the presence and extent of the disease. The following tests may be used for diagnosis:
- Endoscopy: This is a procedure where a small tube with a camera is inserted into the stomach and images of it are taken to check for anomalies.
- Biopsy: A sample of stomach tissue is taken to the laboratory to confirm cancer cells.
- Imaging tests: Such tests include CT scans, PET scans, or MRIs that might be conducted to see the extent of the spread of the cancer.
- Blood tests: These are not diagnostic but can give clues about the general health of the patient and whether the cancer has infiltrated other organs.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for stomach cancer depend on many factors: the type of tumour, its size and location, and a person's overall health. Surgical options range from removing a portion of the stomach to subtotal gastrectomy and removing the entire stomach in cases where the tumour has spread extensively.
In addition to surgery, other treatments may include:
- Chemotherapy: To be given and destroy cancer cells or to shrink the sizes of tumours before surgery can take place- what is called neoadjuvant chemotherapy after surgery, which is called adjuvant chemotherapy, given to decrease the risk of recurrence.
- Radiation therapy: May be given along with chemotherapy, allowing for the treatment to be more focused on a precise area and thus kill the cancerous cells.
- Targeted drug therapy: Such treatments target specific defects in cancer cells but affect normal cells as little as possible. This treatment usually comes into play when a case of stomach cancer has reached such an advanced stage or if other treatments have been unsuccessful.
- Immunotherapy: In this recent approach, treatments help the body's immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.
Prevention Strategies
Stomach cancer cannot be fully prevented. However, one can always take certain precautions by making necessary changes to their life regimen. These include:
It is important to eat a healthy diet: a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will help keep the lining of the stomach healthy and reduce the risk of cancer. The various colours of fruits and vegetables will provide a broad range of different essential vitamins and minerals.
Use salty or smoked foods in moderation: food preserved either in salt or by smoking has been shown to cause damage over time in the lining of the stomach.
Avoid smoking-smoking is a major causative factor in many types of cancers, including gastric cancer. When stopped earlier, the more significant health improvement.
Treat Infections: Treatment can reduce the inflammation of the lining of your stomach and hence lower the risk for cancer.
Genetic Testing: may be recommended with a family history of the disease, combined with early screening.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If symptoms persist, such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent indigestion, or recurring stomach pain, then medical help must be sought. These symptoms are due to many different causes; the sooner the diagnosis is made, the better the chance for effective treatment. In people with a family history of stomach cancer or other risk factors, the benefits and limitations of screening should be discussed with a health care provider.
Conclusion
Stomach cancer is a serious disease with various symptoms and risk factors. However, with advancements in diagnosis and the mode of treatment, hope opens for many patients. By understanding the causes of this condition, recognizing the symptoms, and taking steps to lower your risk, you can protect yourself from this condition. The key to better results lies in early detection and personalization of treatment; with this, significant changes can come in with a healthy way of life that can help reduce the overall risk factor.
