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Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a serious condition that begins in the lining of the stomach. If left untreated, a stomach tumour may reach nearby organs like the pancreas and liver. It is the fifth most common cancer globally and can greatly affect how the body functions.
This blog delves into the signs and symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and the most effective treatment options available for stomach cancer.
Synopsis
A Closer Look at Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, begins when cells in the inner lining of the stomach become damaged. The disease typically develops slowly over several years and is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between their late 60s and 80s. The most common form, called adenocarcinoma, starts in the mucus-producing cells of the stomach lining. Nearly all stomach cancers fall under this type. Other forms include gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), carcinoid tumours, and stomach lymphomas.
Signs and Symptoms
The effects of stomach cancer can manifest with a range of symptoms, such as:
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Loss of appetite
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Feeling full after eating small amounts
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Indigestion
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Heartburn
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Gas or bloating after meals
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Trouble or difficulty swallowing
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Feeling bloated after eating
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Vomiting blood
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Weakness or exhaustion
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Unintentional weight loss
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Black or tarry stools
Stomach Cancer: How To Diagnose?
If you have symptoms that may suggest stomach cancer, your doctor will determine if they are caused by cancer or another condition. If a stomach tumour is suspected, various diagnostic tools will be used to confirm the diagnosis, locate the cancer, and assess its spread. These tests include:
Upper Endoscopy (Gastroscopy): This common method for detecting stomach cancer uses a thin tube with a camera (endoscope) inserted through the mouth to view the stomach lining and collect tissue samples if needed.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): This specialised form of endoscopy features an ultrasound probe at the tip of the endoscope. It helps assess the depth of tumour invasion and whether cancer has spread from the stomach lining into the stomach wall or nearby lymph nodes. It’s instrumental in staging the cancer.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the abdomen and pelvis to detect tumours or enlarged lymph nodes.
PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Helps detect cancer that has spread to distant organs by identifying areas of high metabolic activity commonly seen in cancer cells.
Blood Tests: While not used to diagnose cancer directly, blood tests provide important information about overall health and organ function. Abnormal liver or kidney function, or signs of anaemia, may suggest that cancer has spread or caused internal bleeding.
Laparoscopy: If imaging tests don’t provide enough clarity about the spread of cancer, a Laparoscopy may be performed. This minimally invasive surgical procedure involves inserting a small camera through tiny incisions in the abdomen to view the stomach and surrounding organs directly. It allows doctors to detect cancer that might not show up on scans.
Stomach Cancer Treatments
Your treatment plan will depend on your overall health and how far the stomach tumour has spread. A team of specialists, including your primary care doctor, oncologist, and gastroenterologist, will work together to recommend the best approach. Common stomach adenocarcinoma treatments include:
Surgery
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Endoscopic Removal: In early-stage cases, cancer in the top layers of the stomach can sometimes be removed using an upper endoscopy, where the tumour is cut out and removed through the mouth.
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Gastrectomy: If the cancer has spread deeper, part (Subtotal Gastrectomy) or all (Total Gastrectomy) of the stomach may be removed. In Total Gastrectomy, the oesophagus is connected directly to the small intestine.
Chemotherapy: Cancer-fighting drugs are used to shrink tumours before surgery or kill remaining cancer cells after surgery. Chemo is often combined with radiation for better results.
Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts your immune system to help it recognise and attack cancer cells. It is typically used for advanced or recurring stomach cancer.
Palliative Care: Focused on comfort and quality of life, palliative care helps manage symptoms and provides support alongside your other treatments. It may involve a team of doctors, nurses, and specialists.
Conclusion
Stomach cancer is a serious disease that can significantly impact the body's normal functions. While stomach cancer can't always be prevented, it can often be treated effectively if detected early. Based on your diagnosis, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove cancerous cells or tumours, along with other treatments designed to shrink or destroy the cancer. For an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan, book a consultation with a General Surgeon at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, Kolkata.
FAQ's
Stomach cancer can be curable if it's detected in its early stages. However, it is often diagnosed later, once symptoms appear. Talk to your doctor about the factors that may affect your treatment results.
A diet low in fruits and vegetables, or high in salted, smoked, or poorly preserved foods, can increase the likelihood of developing stomach cancer.
Stomach cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, after symptoms have appeared. This suggests that it can grow and spread to other parts of the body relatively quickly, often without obvious early warning signs.
While stomach cancer can be hereditary, such cases are relatively rare. If you have a family history of gastric cancer, it's a good idea to consult your doctor to assess your risk and decide if any additional testing is needed.
Eating a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and cutting back on alcohol may help lower your risk. In addition to diet, avoiding smoking and addressing infections like Helicobacter pylori, a common stomach bacterium, can also reduce the chances of developing gastric cancer.
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