About Gastric (Stomach) Cancer Stage 3
Stage 3 gastric cancer refers to a specific stage of gastric cancer where the cancer has spread beyond the stomach to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
Staging is based on TNM classification, which is a way for doctors to stage many different types of cancer:
- T describes the original (primary) tumor
- N tells whether the cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes
- M tells whether the cancer has spread (metastasized) to distant parts of the body
The staging system for gastric cancer helps healthcare professionals determine the extent of the disease and plan appropriate treatment. Some known facts about Stage 3 gastric cancer:
- Stage 3 is considered an advanced stage of gastric cancer, indicating that the cancer has progressed beyond its original location in the stomach.
- The cancer has invaded nearby organs, such as the spleen, colon, liver, diaphragm, pancreas, abdominal wall, adrenal gland, kidney, or small intestine.
- The cancer has also spread to 16 or more nearby lymph nodes.
- In some cases, the cancer may have spread to the back of the abdomen.
Treatment for Stage 3 gastric cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The survival rate for people with Stage 3 gastric cancer has improved over time due to advancements in medical treatments. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Stage 3 gastric cancer is generally caused by the progression and spread of malignant cells in the stomach. It is often associated with advanced disease and may involve nearby lymph nodes or adjacent tissues.
The non-modifiable risk factors of Stage 3 gastric cancer are factors that cannot be changed. These include:
- Increasing age: The risk of developing gastric cancer increases with age.
- Genetic predispositions: A positive family history of gastric cancer or other related cancers can increase the risk.
- Previous history of polyps: Individuals who have had polyps in the stomach may have an increased risk.
The modifiable risk factors of Stage 3 gastric cancer are factors that can be changed or influenced. These include:
- Helicobacter pylori infection: This bacterial infection is a significant risk factor for gastric cancer.
- Lifestyle factors: Poor dietary habits, including a diet low in fiber and high in salt, can contribute to the development of gastric cancer.
- Metabolic syndrome: Conditions like obesity and diabetes are associated with an increased risk.
- Smoking: Tobacco use is a known risk factor for various cancers, including gastric cancer.
It's important to note that these risk factors may not directly cause Stage 3 gastric cancer, but they can increase the overall risk of developing the disease. It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
In the early stages of Stage 3 gastric cancer, there may not be any obvious clinical symptoms. However, as the tumor grows, some common early symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upper abdominal pain and fullness after eating
- Decreased appetite
- Weakness
- Anemia
As the disease progresses or reaches higher severity, additional symptoms may occur. These can include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Stomach pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Blood in the stool
- Unintentional weight loss
- Tiredness or weakness
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (if the cancer spreads to the liver)
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
It's important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to Stage 3 gastric cancer and can vary depending on individual circumstances. If you experience any concerning symptoms, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.
To diagnose Stage 3 gastric cancer, the following examinations, tests, and procedures are commonly performed:
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy: This is the most reliable test for diagnosing stomach cancer. It involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the stomach to look closely at its lining and collect small tissue samples (a biopsy) for further study.
- Imaging tests: CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis are usually done to see how advanced the cancer is. These scans take detailed images of the stomach and surrounding areas to check the size and spread of the tumor.
To determine Stage 3 gastric cancer, additional examinations, tests, and procedures may include:
- Diagnostic laparoscopy: This is a minor surgery where doctors make a small cut and insert a camera into the abdomen to check for cancer spread to nearby organs or tissues.
- Diagnostic intra-peritoneal fluid examination: In some cases, fluid from the abdomen is collected, either during laparoscopy or separately, to check if cancer cells are present.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the stomach and nearby areas. It helps detect if the cancer has spread to the liver, abdomen, or other areas.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: For this test, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into the body, which is taken up by fast-growing cells like cancer cells. It can show if cancer has spread to other parts of the body beyond the stomach.
It's important to note that these examinations, tests, and procedures should be performed by healthcare professionals experienced in diagnosing and staging gastric cancer. Always consult with your doctor for personalized advice and guidance.
The goals of treatment for Stage 3 gastric cancer are to extend overall survival and maintain quality of life. Here are treatments and how they work to achieve these goals:
Types of Medication:
- Chemotherapy: After surgery to remove the cancer, chemotherapy is often used to lower the chance that the cancer will come back. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
- Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: This type of chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink the tumor, making it easier to remove.
- Immunotherapy: While not widely used for stomach cancer, immunotherapy can sometimes be given to help the immune system better fight the cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: This treatment focuses on certain molecules in cancer cells to slow or stop their growth. It can be combined with chemotherapy.
Therapies:
- Surgical resection: This surgery removes part or all of the stomach, based on the tumor’s size, location, and whether it has spread to lymph nodes. Nearby tissue and any lymph nodes with cancer cells are also taken out.
Health behavior changes:
- Adopting a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed foods and red meat.
- Regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and improve overall well-being.
These treatments work together to target cancer cells, remove tumors, prevent recurrence, and improve survival outcomes. However, it's important to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized treatment recommendations. Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.