Introduction:
Stomach cancer is considered the most prevalent cancer in the world. There are different types of stomach cancers. Adenocarcinoma is regarded as the most common to occur among these types of cancers. This cancer occurs in the inner lining of the stomach. Stomach cancer is also known as gastric cancer.
What Is a Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer has declined by 1.5 percent each year in the past ten years in the United States (U.S.). However, it was observed that there is an increase in younger individuals getting affected by stomach cancer. This cancer is found to be the fastest-growing cancer among all early-onset cancers.
It is affected to the age group above 68 years. However, the patients are being diagnosed at the ages of 60, 50, and 40. It was estimated that around 27000 new stomach cancer cases are diagnosed every year and 11000 people die every year.
The increased rate of stomach cancer may be due to changing social trends like eating more processed foods, limited exercise, and poor access to fruits and vegetables.
Stomach cancer occurs when the cell growth is out of control. Cancer may occur anywhere in the stomach. The most common site is the place where the stomach joins the esophagus (gastroesophageal junction) in the U.S. It was observed that in other countries, gastric cancer or stomach cancer occurs most commonly in the body of the stomach.
It was noticed that 95 percent of the time stomach cancer initiates in the stomach lining and then progresses gradually. If it is not treated, it may form a tumor or a mass that grows deeper into the stomach walls. The tumor may invade other parts that are nearby like the liver and pancreas.
What Are the Causes of Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer can occur due to genetic mutation in the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of stomach cells. DNA is responsible for cell growth and death. When the mutation of the DNA occurs, cells grow fast and gradually form tumors instead of dying. The cancer cells leave behind healthy cells and invade other parts (metastasize).
Researchers do not know about the causes of mutations. Some factors are responsible for the development of stomach cancer.
These include:
-
Family history of stomach cancer.
-
Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection.
-
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
-
Gastritis.
-
Epstein-Barr virus infection.
-
History of stomach ulcers or stomach polyps.
-
A diet high in fat, salt, smoked or pickled food.
-
A diet that does not have much fruit and vegetables.
-
Exposure to substances like coal, metal, and rubber.
-
Habits like smoking, vaping, and tobacco chewing.
-
Consuming too much alcohol.
-
Obesity.
-
Autoimmune atrophic gastritis.
What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?
Symptoms of stomach cancer are not seen in the early stages. Early signs that can be observed include stomach pain and weight loss without reason. These signs cannot be detected until stomach cancer is more advanced.
Early symptoms of stomach cancer include:
-
Experience nausea and vomiting. Vomiting may occur with or without bleeding.
-
Feel a change in appetite.
-
Swelling of the abdomen can be seen.
-
Heartburn is experienced.
-
Experience indigestion.
-
Experience vague pain in the stomach. The pain is observed above the navel.
-
Fullness is felt in the upper abdomen. It occurs below the chest bone when a small amount of food is consumed.
-
Weight loss without intention can be observed.
-
A decrease in hemoglobin is observed.
Other symptoms include:
-
Difficulty swallowing.
-
Weakness is felt.
-
A black stool can be observed.
-
Experience bloating and gassiness after consuming a small quantity of food.
How to Diagnose Stomach Cancer?
A healthcare provider takes information about medical history and symptoms, performs a physical exam to look for a tumor or mass, and orders many tests to determine whether stomach cancer is present. These tests help determine the stage of stomach cancer, which ranges from 0 to 4. If stomach cancer is in the fourth stage, it may spread to other parts of the body.
Tests include
Upper Endoscopy: This test is done to determine if there is stomach cancer. A thin tube with a tiny camera is inserted into the mouth until it reaches the stomach. Tiny surgical instruments are passed through the endoscope to remove a small tissue sample to be tested (biopsy). This sample is sent to the lab to learn about cancer cells.
Endoscopic Ultrasound: This test helps determine the stage of stomach cancer. An endoscope is attached to a tip with an ultrasound probe. The probe takes pictures of the stomach and helps determine the spread of cancer from the stomach lining to the stomach wall.
Radiologic Tests: Tests like computed tomography (CT), barium swallow, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help identify tumors and cancer-related abnormalities. In the barium swallow test, a substance is drunk that helps visualize the stomach lining on an X-ray.
PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan: This test helps to determine the spread of cancer throughout the body.
Blood Tests: These tests help determine how efficiently the body's organs work.
Laparoscopy: It is a surgical procedure done to give information about cancer spread when other less invasive methods fail to identify the cancer. During this procedure, a tiny camera is inserted to examine the small cuts in the abdomen directly.
How to Treat Stomach Cancer?
The treatment is based on the extent of the cancer's spread, health, and treatment preferences. The doctors include a primary care provider, a cancer specialist, and a gastrointestinal specialist.
Treatment options include:
Surgery:
Upper Endoscopy: When the cancer is in its initial stage, that is, if it is confined to the superficial layer of the stomach, it can be removed by upper endoscopy.
Gastrectomy: If the cancer spreads beyond the superficial layer of the stomach, it should be surgically removed.
Other treatments include:
Chemotherapy: Chemodrugs help shrink cancer cells. The shrinkage of cells helps in surgical removal. It is used along with radiation therapy. Chemotherapy can be combined with targeted therapy.
Radiation: This treatment involves targeted energy beams like X-rays to destroy cancer cells.
Targeted Drug Therapy: This therapy zeroes in on specific targets (molecules) in or on cancer cells. It is used in those cancers that usually recur or that are advanced.
Immunotherapy: This therapy helps the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells that are hard to find. Used in recurring and advanced cancers.
Palliative Care: This treatment helps relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life of a cancer patient.
How to Prevent Stomach Cancer?
Avoiding risk factors is a must to prevent stomach cancer. The risk of cancer can be reduced by:
-
Treating the H. pylori infection.
-
Treating ulcers, gastritis, and other related problems.
-
Eating a healthy and balanced diet helps prevent cancer.
-
Avoiding habits like smoking, and tobacco chewing.
-
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential.
Conclusion:
Cancer occurs when an exponential growth of cancer cells occurs uncontrollably. Stomach cancer can be treated but is challenging to cure. The treatment of cancer is not easy as it is expensive. Hence, knowing about stomach cancer, its causes, risk factors, symptoms, and management is essential. Preventive measures are to be taken to avoid stomach cancer.
