Overview
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, occurs when malignant cells form in the lining of the stomach. It can develop slowly over several years and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Stomach cancer is more common in older adults and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Symptoms and Causes of Stomach Cancer
Signs and Symptoms
Stomach cancer often lacks early symptoms. As the disease advances, common signs may include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Stomach pain (often above the belly button)
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Black stools or vomiting blood
- Bloating or gassiness after eating
- Feeling full quickly
These symptoms can also be related to other conditions, so it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
Tumor Detection
In advanced cases, a healthcare provider may feel a tumor during a physical exam. Symptoms often include sensations of swelling, fullness, or pain in the stomach.
Causes
Stomach cancer results from genetic mutations in stomach cells, leading to uncontrolled growth and tumor formation. Risk factors include:
- Family history of stomach cancer
- H. pylori infection
- GERD
- Chronic gastritis
- Diet high in fatty, salty, or smoked foods
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Certain genetic conditions (e.g., Lynch syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome)
- Stomach cancer is also more common in individuals with Type A blood, though the reason is unclear.
Types of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer can be categorized into several types based on the cells involved:
- Adenocarcinoma: The most common type, originating in the glandular cells lining the stomach.
- Lymphoma: Cancer that begins in the immune cells of the stomach.
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): Rare tumors that arise in the connective tissue of the stomach.
- Carcinoid Tumors: Rare cancers that start in hormone-producing cells.
How is Stomach Cancer Diagnosed?
To diagnose stomach cancer, your healthcare provider will start by reviewing your medical history, discussing your symptoms, and conducting a physical exam, which may include feeling for any mass in your stomach. To confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of cancer, several tests may be performed.
Staging
Stomach cancer is staged from 0 to IV, indicating the extent of its spread. Stage 0 means the cancer is confined to the stomach lining, while Stage IV indicates that it has spread to other organs.
Diagnostic Procedures
- Upper Endoscopy: A common diagnostic tool where a thin tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through your mouth to your stomach. This allows the provider to view the stomach and take a tissue sample (biopsy) for lab testing.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound: An advanced endoscopy with an ultrasound probe attached to capture images of the stomach. This helps determine if the cancer has spread to the stomach wall.
- Radiologic Tests: Tests like CT scans, MRI, and barium swallow can identify tumors and other abnormalities. A PET scan may be used to detect if cancer has spread throughout the body.
- Blood Tests: These tests assess organ function, which may be compromised if the cancer has spread.
- Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgery where a tiny camera is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen to provide a direct view of the organs, helping assess cancer spread if other methods are inconclusive.
Screening
Routine screening for stomach cancer is not common in the U.S. due to its rarity. However, if you are at higher risk, your provider may recommend regular monitoring with procedures like upper endoscopy to detect any early cancerous changes. Consult your provider to understand the best approach based on your risk factors.
Treatment
Surgical Treatments
The treatment approach for stomach cancer is determined by the extent of the cancer, your overall health, and your treatment preferences. A multidisciplinary care team, including your primary care provider, an oncologist, and a gastroenterologist, will collaborate to guide you through the best treatment options.
- Upper Endoscopy: In early-stage stomach cancer, where the cancer is confined to the superficial layers, it can be removed via an upper endoscopy. During this procedure, known as endoscopic submucosal dissection or endoscopic mucosal resection, the gastroenterologist excises the tumor from the stomach wall and removes it through the mouth.
- Gastrectomy: If the cancer has spread beyond the superficial layers, surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the stomach. A subtotal gastrectomy involves removing the affected portion of the stomach, while a total gastrectomy removes the entire stomach. After a total gastrectomy, the esophagus is connected to the small intestine to allow for eating.
Other Treatments
- Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to shrink cancer cells, making them easier to remove before surgery. It is often combined with radiation and may also be used with targeted drug therapy.
- Radiation Therapy: Uses energy beams like X-rays to target and destroy cancer cells. While not typically used alone for stomach cancer, it can be combined with chemotherapy before and after surgery to enhance effectiveness and alleviate symptoms.
- Targeted Drug Therapy: Focuses on specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells, leading to their destruction. It is often combined with chemotherapy in cases of recurrent or advanced cancer.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system's ability to detect and destroy cancer cells, particularly in cases of recurring or advanced stomach cancer.
- Palliative Care: Specialized medical care aimed at improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses like cancer. It involves symptom management and supportive care provided by a team of doctors, nurses, and specialists, and can be received alongside other treatments.
Meditation and Complementary Therapies
Meditation can help manage stress, anxiety, and pain associated with cancer treatment. Mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques may improve overall well-being.
Dietary changes: A balanced diet can support overall health and improve the effectiveness of conventional treatments.
FAQ
What are the risk factors for stomach cancer?
Risk factors include smoking, a diet high in salted or smoked foods, family history of stomach cancer, certain genetic conditions, and infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
How is stomach cancer staged?
Stomach cancer is staged based on how far it has spread. Stages range from 0 (localized) to IV (advanced). Staging helps determine the best treatment approach.
Can stomach cancer be prevented?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent stomach cancer, reducing risk factors such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and treating Helicobacter pylori infections can lower the risk.
What is the survival rate for stomach cancer?
Survival rates vary depending on the stage and overall health of the patient. Early detection and treatment improve the chances of a better outcome.
What support is available for stomach cancer patients?
Support includes counseling, support groups, nutritional advice, and palliative care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
For personalized care and treatment options, consult with our specialists at Yatharth Hospital.