Stomach cancer: overview, causes and symptoms

What about stomach cancer?

The proliferation of malignant cells within the stomach lining is what defines stomach cancer. This type of cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is hard to detect although most people do not exhibit early symptoms. 

Almost all stomach cancer symptoms (about 95% of all cases) begin in the glandular tissue lining the stomach. The tumour can either develop along the stomach wall or through it, thinning cells into the blood system or lymphatic system. Cancer can spread to other organs if it has progressed beyond the stomach. 

While gastric cancer is uncommon in contrast to other forms of cancer, one of the most significant threats is the challenge of diagnosing it. Due to the lack of early signs of stomach cancer it frequently goes untreated until it has spread to other areas of the body. These stomach cancer causes are more challenging to treat.

The TNM system is one tool that doctors use to describe the stages. Doctors use diagnostic tests and scan results to answer the following questions:

Tumour (T): How far into the stomach wall has the primary tumour spread?

Node (N): The tumour is spread in the lymph nodes. If yes then how it is spread?

Metastasis (M): Refers to the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.

Types of Gastric cancer

They are categorised based on the type of tissue in which they begin.

• Adenocarcinoma- The most prevalent type of adenocarcinoma begins in the glandular lining of the stomach.
• Lymphomas are cancer cells tumours that progress from lymphocytes, a form of blood cell that aids the immune system.
• Sarcomas are cancer of the connective tissue (muscle, fat, or blood vessels).
• Carcinoid, small cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are some of the other forms.
• In the stomach, metastatic tumours from breast cancer, melanoma, and other primary cancer sites can be found.

What causes stomach cancer?

A genetic mutation (change) in the cells of the stomach is the main cause, which causes the cells to grow fast and eventually form a tumour. The following are some of the risk factors that can raise a person’s chances of developing stomach cancer causes:

• Family history
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium infection
• A high-sodium diet

Gastric cancer symptoms

Stomach cancer causes occur in numerous ways. However, because stomach tumours grow slowly, these symptoms may not present for several years. As a result, many people with gastric cancer don’t get diagnosed until the disease has progressed.

Stomach cancer symptoms in its early stages include:

• A feeling of being overly full throughout meals difficulty swallowing feeling frequent burping
• Heartburn
• Indigestion that does not resolve
• Stomach ache
• Pain in the breastbone
• Trapped wind
• Vomiting, which may contain blood

Many of these stomach cancer symptoms, however, are remarkably similar to those of other, less serious illnesses. Anyone who has a higher risk of stomach cancer causes and is having trouble swallowing should get medical help right away.

Some people may have the following stomach cancer symptoms as it progresses:

• Anaemia
• An accumulation of fluid in the stomach can make it feel lumpy to the touch
• Faeces that are black and include blood tiredness
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss

Diagnosis of Gastric cancer

A physical exam is the first step in determining stomach cancer symptoms. They’ll also inquire about your medical history to discover if you have any risk factors for gastric cancer or if you have any relatives who have been diagnosed with the disease. 

Blood tests

To check for signs of stomach cancer in your body.

Upper endoscopy

To examine your stomach cancer symptoms, your doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube with a small camera down your throat.

Upper gastrointestinal series test

You’ll be given a chalky liquid that contains barium. The stomach is made more visible by applying a liquid coat.

CT scan

This is a high-resolution X-ray that produces detailed images of the inside of your body.

Biopsy

A little piece of tissue from your stomach is taken and examined under a microscope for evidence of cancer cells to check for signs of stomach cancer. This could happen during an endoscopy.

Treatment of gastric cancer

Stomach cancer symptoms can be treated in a variety of ways. 

• An upper endoscopy performed by a gastroenterologist can be used to remove cancer that is limited to the superficial (uppermost) layers of the stomach in its early stages. The tumour is split from the remainder of the stomach wall and removed through the mouth during this surgery (endoscopic submucosal dissection, or ESD).
• Once the tumour has spread beyond the stomach’s surface layers, surgery to remove the stomach and link the oesophagus (the tube through which food passes) to the small intestines will be required to allow for digestion.
• In chemotherapy treatment, the use of chemicals killed the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells that have migrated beyond the stomach.
• Radiation therapy- To kill cancer cells, radiation therapy uses high-powered beams of energy such as X-rays and protons. The energy beams are emitted by a machine that revolves around you as you lie on a table. Before surgery, radiation therapy can be used to shrink stomach cancer so that it can be removed more readily.
• Immunotherapy- It is a medicine that boosts your immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Immunotherapy may be used to treat stomach cancer when it is advanced, recurs, or spreads to other regions of the body.

Also, read- Breast cancer causes and symptoms

Prevention

You can lower your risk of stomach cancer caused by:

• Maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI): If you’re overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about weight-loss options. 
• Choose fruit and vegetable-rich diet: Every day, make an effort to eat more fruits and veggies. Pick a rainbow of bright fruits and veggies.
• Reduce your intake of salty and smoked foods: Limit these foods to protect your tummy.
• Quit smoking: Quit smoking if you’re a smoker. Don’t start smoking if you don’t already. Smoking raises your chances of developing it, as well as a variety of other cancers. 
• Inquire with your doctor about your chances of developing gastric cancer: If you have a higher risk of cancer, talk to your doctor. Tests, such as endoscopy, may be considered for people with a strong family history of cancer to screen for indicators of gastric cancer.

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