About Gastric (Stomach) Cancer

Overview

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the cells lining the stomach. It is a malignant tumor that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. It is often diagnosed at a late stage, which can lead to poorer treatment outcomes. The exact causes of gastric cancer are not fully understood, but factors such as chronic inflammation, Helicobacter pylori infection, unhealthy diet, and environmental conditions may contribute to its development. Symptoms of gastric cancer can be nonspecific in the early stages, making it important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent indigestion, abdominal pain, weight loss, or other concerning symptoms.

Causes and Risk Factors

Gastric cancer occurs when there is a growth of cells that starts in the stomach. Gastric cancer development can be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Non-modifiable risk factors for gastric cancer are factors that cannot be changed. These include:

• Increasing age
• Positive family history of gastric cancer or related cancers
• Hereditary diseases such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous coli

Modifiable risk factors for gastric cancer are factors that can be changed or influenced. These include:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
• Smoking
• Poor dietary habits (such as increased salt intake and low fiber diet)
• Alcohol intake
• Obesity

It is important to note that these risk factors do not guarantee the development of gastric cancer, but they may increase the likelihood. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance regarding risk factors and prevention strategies.

Symptoms

The most common early symptoms of gastric cancer include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Upper abdominal pain and fullness after eating
• Frequent heartburn
• Indigestion or frequent burping
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling full after eating only a small amount

As gastric cancer progresses or reaches a higher severity, additional symptoms may occur, including:

• Blood in the stool
• Unintended weight loss
• Stomach pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• Abdominal swelling
• Difficulty swallowing
• Tiredness or weakness
• Swelling of the lymph nodes

It's important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other conditions, so it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis

To diagnose gastric cancer, the following examinations, tests, and procedures are commonly performed:

• Physical exam: The healthcare provider will look for physical signs of a medical problem, such as pain, swelling, or the presence of masses within the body.
• Lab tests: Specific lab tests, like blood draws and tumor marker tests may be recommended to gather more information.
• Imaging studies: X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can provide detailed images of the stomach to detect any abnormalities.
• Endoscopic diagnosis: This involves using an endoscope to examine the stomach lining and collect tissue samples for further analysis.
• Histopathological diagnosis: By analyzing stained tissues under a microscope, pathologists can determine the type of gastric mucosa, precancerous lesions, or gastric cancer present.

These additional procedures can help in making preliminary judgments about the shape and nature of pathological tissues. It's important to follow up with your healthcare provider if any symptoms worsen or change after these exams. Remember to consult your healthcare professional for specific recommendations as each case is unique.

Treatment Options

The treatments for gastric cancer include:

• Surgical resection: The most preferred treatment option for patients with advanced gastric cancer is surgical removal of the tumor. The goal is to completely remove the tumor and the surrounding lymph nodes.
• Endoscopic surgery: In very early-stage, a surgeon may perform the surgery using an endoscope, which is a thin tube inserted through the throat into the stomach. This minimally invasive approach allows for removal of the tumor from the stomach lining.
• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: In some cases, where surgical resection is not possible, neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be recommended. This type of chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove with surgery.
• Adjuvant chemotherapy: After surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy may be recommended to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapies are medications that specifically target certain molecules or pathways involved in cancer growth. They can help slow down or stop the growth of gastric cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. It can help boost the immune response against gastric cancer and improve treatment outcomes.
• Health behavior changes: Making certain lifestyle changes can also support gastric cancer treatment goals. These may include:
  • Adopting a healthy diet
  • Quitting smoking
  • Reducing alcohol consumption
  • Getting regular exercise

It's important to note that specific medication types and therapeutic procedures may vary depending on individual patient factors and disease stage. Always consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice.

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.