Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is defined by the growth and multiplication of malignant cells in the stomach lining. This type of cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is difficult to detect. This is because many individuals do not exhibit any symptoms during the early stages.

Typically, stomach cancer is somewhat uncommon in comparison to other cancers. However, one of the most significant risks is the complexity when it comes to diagnosis.

Due to the lack of early signs, stomach cancer frequently goes undetected until it has spread to various areas of the body. Hence, this makes treatment more challenging.

Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Usually, there are no early signs and symptoms of stomach cancer. This thus means that many people are unaware that something is wrong with them till cancer progresses. The following are some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms of advanced stomach cancer:

Vomiting and nausea
Heartburn that occurs frequently
Continuous bloating
Loss of appetite, at times, accompanied by abrupt weight loss
Feeling full easily even after consuming a small amount (early satiety)
Presence of blood in the stools
Jaundice
Extreme exhaustion
Stomach ache that gets worse after eating

Causes of Stomach Cancer

The upper region of the digestive system includes the stomach alongside the esophagus. The stomach's major role is to digest food and transport nutrients to the entire digestive organs, specifically the small intestines and large intestines.

Generally, the actual triggers and causes of stomach cancer are unknown. However, medical experts believe it develops when the healthy cells in the upper digestive tract turn malignant and proliferate uncontrollably, resulting in a tumor. This is a gradual process; hence, stomach cancer usually occurs over a long period (several years).

Risk Factors of Stomach Cancer

Several factors may raise your chances of acquiring stomach malignant cells. The stomach cancer risk factors can include some diseases and health conditions like;

Lymphoma
H. pylori infections, a widespread stomach infection that may at times cause ulcers
Stomach polyps, aberrant tissue growth which develops in the stomach lining
Malignancies in other regions of the gastrointestinal tract

In addition, stomach cancer is more likely among individuals who;

Are older, mostly aging 50 years old or above
Are smokers
Are male
Have a family background of stomach cancer
Have a previous history of alcohol abuse
Consume too much processed or salty foods
Do not exercise

Stomach Cancer Diagnosis

Due to the rarity of symptoms during the early stages of stomach cancer, it is frequently not detected until the disease progresses.

The provider or gastroenterologist will first conduct a physical examination to look for any anomalies before diagnosing. They can as well request a blood test, which may include an evaluation for H. pylori bacteria.

If he or she suspects that you have stomach cancer, you will have to undergo additional diagnostic testing. Diagnostic testing in the stomach and esophagus checks for cancers or any other abnormalities.

These diagnostic stomach cancer tests may involve the following:

Upper endoscopy

This involves inserting a tiny tube with a small camera into the stomach by passing it down the throat. It enables the doctor to check for cancer signs in the stomach.

Biopsy

A biopsy uses special equipment to retrieve a sample of tissue for more analysis. The doctor will insert the tools into the suspicious spots discovered during the upper endoscopy. After that, the sample is brought to a laboratory for examination.

CT scan

A CT scan creates comprehensive, multi-angle pictures of internal body organs. The doctor may inject a dye prior to the CT scan or ask you to swallow it. The dye enables that scanner to create clear pictures of the affected spots.

Barium swallow

With this test, the patient swallows a liquid containing barium, which coats the stomach and esophagus. During an X-ray, barium swallows aids in the detection of abnormalities in the stomach. The esophagus and stomach x-rays will subsequently be taken for analysis.

Endoscopic ultrasound

Endoscopic ultrasound involves the insertion of a tiny tube attached to a small camera on the tip down the throat into the stomach. The images of the stomach are created using specific ultrasound equipment. Doctors can recommend an endoscopic ultrasound to see how deep a malignancy has penetrated the stomach wall.

Stomach Cancer Treatment

Stomach cancer treatment choices are often determined by the stage, location, and aggressiveness of cancer. When developing a treatment plan, your provider also considers the overall health and preferences.

These treatment options can include one or a combination of the following;

Surgical procedures:

Surgery for stomach cancer aims to eliminate all of the cancerous cells as well as part of the healthy tissue surrounding it. The following surgical procedures are used to treat stomach cancer:

Removal of tumors from the lining of the stomach

This procedure is often reserved for early-stage stomach cancer. It involves removing small tumors within the stomach lining by inserting special equipment via an endoscope. Endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal resection are two procedures used to eliminate tumors from the inner stomach lining.

Subtotal gastrectomy

A subtotal gastrectomy involves the removal of the cancerous portion of the stomach as well as the healthy tissue surrounding it. If your stomach cancer is in the area of the stomach closest to the small intestine, this procedure might be suitable.

Total gastrectomy

The whole stomach, as well as some nearby tissue, is removed during a total gastrectomy. The doctor links the esophagus directly to the small intestine to enable food to pass through the digestive tract.

Total gastrectomy is most commonly performed to treat stomach malignancies that influence the stomach's body as well as those that occur at the gastroesophageal intersection.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses medications (cytotoxic drugs) to prevent cancer cells from quickly proliferating. It’s normally used to treat stomach cancer that has progressed to other parts of the body. The drug spreads throughout the body while attacking malignant cells at the main cancerous site as well as any other areas where it has reached.

In addition, chemotherapy may reduce the tumor prior to surgery or destroy any tumor cells that remain after surgery.

Radiation therapy:

Radiation therapy utilizes radioactive rays to focus on and destroy malignant cells. Due to the risk of damaging the surrounding organs, this form of treatment is not commonly used to treat stomach cancer.

On the other hand, radiation therapy is an alternative if cancer has progressed or is causing significant symptoms like bleeding or discomfort.

To shrink the tumors, the physician can administer radiation therapy along with chemotherapy prior to the surgical procedure. This makes surgical elimination easier. After surgery, he or she may employ radiation to destroy any remaining cancerous cells in the stomach.

Targeted drug therapy:

Targeted drug therapy concentrates on certain flaws found in cancerous cells. It can kill cancer cells by preventing defects. For advanced tumors or cancer that returns following treatment, targeted drugs are typically used along with chemotherapy.

The doctor can conduct tests on the malignant cells to determine the targeted medications that are more effective.

Immunotherapy:

Immunotherapy aims at boosting the body's immune system's ability to fight cancer. Since the cancerous cells release proteins, making it difficult for immune system cells to perceive them as dangerous, the immune system's disease-fighting system may not combat cancer. Hence, immunotherapy functions by influencing the immune system's processes.

Additionally, immunotherapy may be useful in treating stomach cancer if it has progressed, if it returns, or when it has metastasized to other body parts.

Preventing Stomach Cancer

You can lower your risk of developing stomach cancer by:

Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI): If you are obese or overweight, consult your medical provider on effective weight-loss options.
Opt for a fruit and vegetable-rich diet: Every day, make an effort to eat more fruits as well as veggies.
Limit your intake of salty and smoked foods: Reducing your intake of these foods can help protect the stomach.
Quit smoking: Quit smoking as soon as possible if you're a smoker. Also, don't start smoking if you don't already. Smoking typically raises your chances of developing stomach cancer and a variety of other cancers. You can consult your doctor for help if you're having trouble quitting smoking.
Consult your provider regarding the stomach cancer risks: If you think you have a higher chance of developing stomach cancer, you might want to talk to your provider. Individuals with a family background of the disease can consider diagnostic tests like endoscopy to check for signs.

Conclusion

With stomach cancer, malignancy cells normally start on the inner stomach lining walls and progress further into the stomach walls as it progresses. The cells could also spread to adjacent organs such as the liver and pancreas.

Diagnosing stomach cancer is generally difficult during the earlier stages since symptoms don’t often show. However, if you suspect you have the disease or are at high risk, consult your medical provider for prompt diagnosis and treatment.