Introduction to Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the stomach. It is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. It accounts for about 1.7% of all new cancer cases in the United States. The incidence of stomach cancer has decreased over the past few decades, mainly due to improved food preservation techniques and awareness of risk factors. However, it still accounts for over 10,000 deaths per year in India. Best Oncologists in bangalore diagnose stomach cancer through endoscopy and biopsy. They determine the stage through imaging tests and decide on the best treatment plan, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy. Oncologists work closely with surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care. They also help patients manage side effects and maintain quality of life.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified. These include:
- Age: Risk increases with age. Most people diagnosed are over 55.
- Gender: Men are twice as likely to develop stomach cancer as women.
- Bacteria: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can cause inflammation and ulcers in the stomach lining, increasing cancer risk. About 20% of people in the U.S. have H. pylori infections.
- Diet: Eating foods preserved by drying, smoking, salting, or pickling may increase risk. Low intake of fruits and vegetables is also a risk factor.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes increases risk.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases risk.
- Family History: Having a close relative who has had stomach cancer increases your risk.
- Certain Diseases: Other diseases like pernicious anaemia or intestinal metaplasia also increase risk.
Common symptoms of stomach cancer:
- Indigestion or heartburn – Chronic heartburn can be a sign of stomach cancer.
- Nausea and vomiting – Nausea and vomiting, especially vomiting up solid food shortly after eating, can indicate a blockage in the stomach from a tumour.
- Abdominal pain – A dull or sharp pain in the upper abdomen is a common symptom. It may be worse after eating.
- Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss – Losing your appetite and unexplained weight loss are common warning signs as cancer crowds out room for food.
- Weakness and fatigue – Cancer saps energy and can make you feel abnormally tired all the time.
- Vomiting blood or blood in the stool – Advanced stomach cancer may cause bleeding in the stomach that appears as vomiting blood or dark blood in bowel movements.
- Feeling full after eating small amounts of food – Tumors can obstruct digestion, making you feel full quickly.
- Anaemia – Stomach cancer can cause low red blood cell counts (anaemia) leading to fatigue and shortness of breath.
- Bloating or fluid build-up in the abdomen – Tumors can block digestion, causing fluid accumulation.
- Unexplained bowel habit changes – Altered digestion from cancer can lead to diarrhoea or constipation.
Diagnosis and Staging
To diagnose stomach cancer, doctors use endoscopy, laboratory tests, and imaging tests. At HCG Hospital Bangalore, Endoscopy involves inserting a thin, lighted tube equipped with a camera down the throat to examine the inside of the stomach. Biopsies can be taken to confirm cancer. Blood tests can detect tumour markers. CT scans, PET scans, MRIs, and X-rays allow doctors to see the size and location of the tumour. After diagnosis, staging tests are done to determine how advanced the cancer is and if it has spread. Stages range from I (early) to IV (advanced).
Treatment options
Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer but generally include some combination surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Early-stage cancers can often be treated with surgery alone. More advanced cancers may require chemotherapy or radiation before or after surgery. If the cancer is diagnosed at a very early stage, non-surgical endoscopic treatments may eliminate it before it becomes invasive.
For surgery, doctors remove part or all of the stomach, nearby lymph nodes and sometimes other tissue. Laparoscopic surgery is often an option. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs that kill growing and dividing cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Targeted therapy uses drugs that attack specific cancer cell growth mechanisms. Side effects of treatment can include pain, fatigue, appetite loss, hair loss, nausea, vomiting and infection. Supportive care is important to control side effects and keep the patient comfortable and nourished.
Prognosis of Stomach cancer
The prognosis for stomach cancer depends on the extent (stage) of the cancer – the earlier it is diagnosed the better. Overall, the 5-year survival rate for stomach cancer is about 30%. When detected early, the 5-year survival is generally higher than 50% but drops off dramatically as the cancer advances. Research continues to find better treatments and earlier diagnosis methods. Increased awareness of stomach cancer risks and prevention options provides hope for improved outcomes.
