What is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, begins in the cells lining the stomach, which is a vital organ in the digestive system. There are several types of stomach cancer, but adenocarcinomas, which start in the glandular tissue of the stomach lining, are the most common. Stomach cancer can grow slowly over many years and often goes undiagnosed because early-stage symptoms can be vague and easily mistaken for common stomach problems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?

Early stomach cancer rarely causes symptoms, making it difficult to detect. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

• Persistent indigestion and stomach discomfort

• A bloated feeling after eating

• Mild nausea

• Loss of appetite

• Heartburn

• Early satiety (feeling full after eating a small amount)

• Weight loss without trying

• Stomach pain, especially after meals

• Vomiting, with or without blood

 

Can We Prevent Stomach Cancer?

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent stomach cancer, certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk:

• Avoid smoking.

• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Reduce salt and smoked or pickled foods in your diet.

• Treat and manage conditions that increase stomach cancer risk, like Helicobacter pylori infection.

• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.

 

How Do We Diagnose Stomach Cancer?

Diagnosis of stomach cancer involves several steps:

• Physical exam and history: Checking for general signs of health and disease.

• Upper endoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to view the stomach.

• Biopsy: Taking a sample of stomach tissue during endoscopy.

• Imaging tests: Including CT scans, MRI, and PET scans to look for signs of cancer in the stomach and surrounding areas.

 

What Treatment Options Are Available for Stomach Cancer?

Treatment depends on the cancer's stage, location, and the patient's overall health, and may include:

• Surgery: To remove part or all of the stomach, as well as some surrounding tissue.

• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells, often before and/or after surgery.

• Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells, usually combined with chemotherapy.

• Targeted therapy: Focuses on specific molecules and cell mechanisms to stop cancer growth.

• Immunotherapy: Employs the body's immune system to fight the cancer.

The choice of treatment is personalized, taking into consideration the specific characteristics of the cancer and the patient's preferences and health.