Stomach cancer (also known as gastric cancer) normally starts on the inner lining of the stomach walls and progresses deeper into the stomach walls as cancer progresses. The tumor spreads to adjacent organs such as the liver and pancreas.
Stomach cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in the world. However, it is less common in the US. The frequency of occurrences of stomach cancer has been progressively increasing over the last few decades.
The disease, known as stomach cancer, normally progresses slowly over several years. People in their late 60s and early 80s are most likely to get stomach cancer.
All stomach cancers (about 95% of all cases) begin in the glandular tissue lining of the stomach. The tumor can either expand along the stomach wall or grow through it, shedding cells into the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Signs & Symptoms Of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, particularly in its early stages, often goes unnoticed because it rarely produces noticeable symptoms. In countries like the United States, where routine screening for stomach cancer isn’t common, the disease is usually detected only after it has grown considerably or spread beyond the stomach.
When symptoms emerge, they might present as a range of issues:
- A persistent lack of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen
- Feeling full even after eating small amounts
- Chronic heartburn or indigestion
- Nausea and occasional vomiting, which may sometimes contain blood
- Abdominal bloating or fluid accumulation
- Blood in the stool
- Persistent fatigue or weakness, often linked to anaemia
- Jaundice, particularly if the liver is affected
These symptoms are more frequently associated with non-cancerous conditions like viral infections or ulcers. However, they can also be signs of other types of cancer. It’s important for anyone experiencing these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Causes Of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a disease with causes that are not entirely understood. Experts believe that most cases begin when the inner lining of the stomach becomes damaged. This damage could result from various factors, including smoking, chronic stomach infections, long-term acid reflux, or a diet high in salty foods or smoked food . However, it’s important to note that not everyone exposed to these risk factors will develop stomach cancer, highlighting the need for more research to pinpoint its exact causes.
The development of stomach cancer typically starts when cells in the stomach lining suffer damage, leading to alterations in their DNA. DNA acts as the cell’s instruction manual, and these changes cause the cells to multiply rapidly. Unlike healthy cells, which naturally die off as part of their life cycle, these altered cells continue to grow and accumulate, eventually forming a tumor.
As the tumor grows, the cancerous cells can invade and destroy nearby healthy tissues. Over time, these cells may penetrate deeper layers of the stomach wall and potentially spread to other areas of the body, a process known as metastasis.
Genetic and Hereditary Factors
Stomach cancer can also be influenced by genetic factors. For instance, Lynch syndrome is a hereditary condition that increases the risk of several cancers, including those of the colon and stomach. People with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), a condition caused by mutations in the APC gene, are prone to developing numerous polyps in the colon, stomach, and intestines, raising their risk of colorectal and, to a lesser extent, stomach cancer. Other inherited syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, also elevate the risk of stomach cancer.
Impact of Diet, Lifestyle, and Additional Risk Factors
Dietary habits and lifestyle choices significantly affect the likelihood of developing stomach cancer. Consuming large quantities of salt-preserved foods, such as salted fish, pork, and pickled vegetables, increases the risk. Likewise, frequent consumption of processed, grilled, or charred meats is associated with a higher risk of non-cardia stomach tumors. On the other hand, diets rich in fresh fruits, particularly citrus fruits, and raw vegetables appear to lower the risk of stomach cancer.
Other factors that can contribute to stomach cancer include:
- Gender: Men have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer than women.
- Age: While stomach cancer can develop at any age, the risk increases significantly for individuals in their 60s, 70s, and 80s.
- Obesity: Excess body weight or obesity has been linked to an increased risk of cancer in the upper stomach, near the esophagus.
- Previous Stomach Surgery: Individuals who have had part of their stomach removed to treat non-cancerous conditions like ulcers may be at a higher risk of developing stomach cancer. This could be due to reduced acid production in the stomach, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive, or the possibility of bile reflux from the small intestine into the stomach, increasing the cancer risk over time.
- Smoking is also one of the most common cause
Diagnosis Of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer diagnosis involves several tests and procedures. An upper endoscopy is often the first step, where a thin tube with a camera is passed down the throat into the stomach to visually inspect for cancerous signs. If suspicious areas are found, a biopsy is performed, with tissue samples collected for lab analysis.
To determine the extent of the cancer, staging tests are conducted. Blood tests, while not directly diagnosing stomach cancer, provide valuable information about overall health and can indicate if the cancer has impacted the liver. A circulating tumor DNA test might be used in advanced cases to detect cancer cells in the blood.
Imaging tests, such as CT scans, PET scans, and ultrasounds, help identify if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs. In some cases, surgery is required to directly observe the spread of the cancer. Based on the results, the cancer is assigned a stage from 0 to 4, indicating its progression, from being confined to the stomach lining to spreading to other organs, often the liver or peritoneum.
Treatment Options For Stomach Cancer
Treatment for stomach cancer varies based on the cancer’s progression, overall health, and personal preferences. A multidisciplinary team, including a primary care physician, oncologist, and gastroenterologist, typically collaborates to recommend the most suitable treatment plan.
Surgical Options
Surgery may be suggested to remove precancerous cells, tumors, or portions of the stomach, depending on the cancer’s extent.
- Upper Endoscopy: For early-stage cancer confined to the stomach’s upper layers, the tumor can be removed via an upper endoscopy. This procedure, known as endoscopic submucosal dissection or endoscopic mucosal resection, involves using a specialized tool to cut out the tumor and remove it through the mouth.
- Gastrectomy: When cancer spreads beyond superficial layers, partial or total gastrectomy may be necessary. In a subtotal gastrectomy, only the affected portion of the stomach is removed. Total gastrectomy involves removing the entire stomach and connecting the esophagus to the small intestine.
Additional Treatments
- Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to shrink tumors before surgery or eliminate remaining cancer cells afterward, often combined with radiation or targeted therapy.
- Radiation Therapy: Targeted energy beams destroy cancer cells, typically used alongside chemotherapy.
- Targeted Drug Therapy: This approach focuses on cancer cell vulnerabilities and is often combined with chemotherapy for advanced or recurrent cases.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells, particularly in advanced stages.
- Palliative Care: Specialized care focusing on improving quality of life, symptom relief, and additional support, provided alongside other treatments.
Lifestyle Tips For Stomach Cancer Patients
Stomach cancer patients should focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Avoiding processed and salty foods is essential. Regular, gentle exercise can help maintain strength and energy. Managing stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques is beneficial. Staying hydrated and following medical advice are also key to supporting overall health.
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Summary
Stomach cancer can be tricky to spot early on because its symptoms, like unexplained weight loss, persistent indigestion, and abdominal pain, often seem mild at first. Factors such as genetic predispositions, chronic infections, a diet high in salty foods, and lifestyle choices like obesity and smoking can increase the risk.
Diagnosing stomach cancer usually starts with an endoscopy and biopsy to check for cancerous cells, followed by imaging tests to see how far the cancer has spread. Treatment options vary based on the stage of the cancer and might include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Palliative care is also important to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
For those dealing with stomach cancer, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and staying hydrated are all important. Dr. Saphalta Baghmar, a highly skilled oncologist in Delhi NCR, combines her extensive experience with the latest research to provide exceptional, personalized care.
FAQ
Q) Can stomach cancer be cured?
Early detection helps in easy treatment. Gastric or stomach cancer is usually diagnosed in an advanced stage. If diagnosed at an early stage it can be treated, but once it is diagnosed at a later stage it can be treated but not be cured completely.
Q) What does stomach cancer feel like?
Difficulty swallowing is one of the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer. Some other symptoms include vomiting, nausea, heartburn, loss of appetite, etc.
Q) What is the difference between stomach cancer and ulcer?
The two situations are completely contradictory. Cancer is a type of cellular abnormality that begins in your body’s cells and spreads to other parts of your body. whereas, Ulcers arise when your digestive system’s acid-producing glands create too much acid, causing holes or sores on any tissue or organ.
