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The incidence of stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, has declined over the past 20 years, but it is still a major global health concern. Adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent kind, arising from the inner lining of the stomach; rarer types come from the middle or outer portions. Dietary variables, smoking, and Helicobacter pylori infection are its risk factors. The presence of gastric cancer, which is frequently discovered at advanced stages, may be indicated by symptoms like nausea, indigestion, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
Improving outcomes depends on early detection, which is achieved by screening and endoscopic examinations. Depending on the cancer's location and stage, gastric carcinoma treatment usually consists of Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy, and/or Surgery. Novel medicines and prevention measures are still being investigated in research. To reduce risk, public health initiatives emphasise changing lifestyles and increasing knowledge. Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, has a dedicated cancer care unit providing diagnosis, treatment, and management of various cancers, enhancing patient's well-being.
Although the exact origin of gastric cancer is unknown, certain dietary and lifestyle choices, such as consuming a lot of processed meats, smoked or salted meals, and not eating enough vegetables, may be contributing factors. In addition, smoking, alcohol intake, and Helicobacter pylori infection are linked to its development. Gastric cancer may also develop before non-cancerous gastrointestinal disorders like ulcers, and some genetic factors make people more susceptible to this type of cancer. But stomach cancer can also happen in the absence of obvious risk factors, which emphasises the need for more investigation.
In the early stages of the disease, early satiety, minor abdominal pain, and exhaustion are common nonspecific symptoms of stomach cancer that frequently mirror less serious illnesses. However, if a symptom lasts more than two weeks, it should be promptly evaluated by a gastroenterologist. Unexpected weight loss, excruciating stomach pain, frequent nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, blood in the vomit, tarry stool, and painful or difficult swallowing are a few of these. Patients with stomach cancer may benefit from an earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes if these signs are recognised at an early stage.
Usually, an upper endoscopy is used to identify gastric cancer, providing a view of the stomach lining and a biopsy for confirmation. Additionally, certain areas use X-rays for detection. The goal of ongoing research is to create blood tests and other screening tools for the early identification of symptoms before they manifest. The goal of diagnostic advancements is to increase the number of people who are diagnosed with stomach cancer and to improve the results of their treatment.
Modern endoscopic methods help identify stomach cancer early and increase the effectiveness of treatment. For early-stage instances, the main treatment is Resection, which can be done surgically or by endoscopy and is dependent on the location and stage of the malignancy. The malignant section can be removed, or the stomach can be completely removed. Depending on the patient’s condition, further treatments like Radiation or Chemotherapy may be beneficial. Patients with stomach cancer benefit from multidisciplinary care since it ensures thorough management and improves outcomes.
Based on their outward appearance, advanced gastric carcinomas are classified into four categories by Borrmann's classification. These include type I, characterised by polypoid growth; type II by fungating development; type III by ulcerating growth; and type IV by diffusely infiltrating growth, which is frequently linked to signet ring cell carcinoma.
For patients with stomach cancer, this classification offers important insights into the morphology of the tumour, which helps with prognosis and therapy planning.
When stomach cancer occurs, the cancer cells multiply within the stomach, encroaching on healthy tissue and possibly even deeper into the stomach wall. Metastasis is the term for the process by which these cells might separate over time and spread to different areas of the body. The prognosis worsens, and therapy is made more difficult by metastasis. Because early detection increases the chance of favourable treatment results, it is essential for the appropriate management of stomach cancer.
Healthy lifestyle habits and dietary modifications are key to preventing stomach cancer. Overindulgence in salt and inadequate intake of fresh produce increases the risk, but plant-based diets high in vitamin C can reduce it. Limiting alcohol use and abstaining from tobacco use are also essential preventive strategies. It is advised to have regular testing for diseases like Helicobacter pylori infection. Adopting good lifestyle practices and a balanced diet dramatically lowers the risk of stomach cancer.
Complications from gastric cancer might include ascites, which is defined as an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen that causes pain and dyspnea. In more severe cases, metastases are common and frequently impact the liver, lungs, or bones, resulting in further consequences such as breathing problems and bone discomfort.
Additional potential consequences that could have a major influence on prognosis and quality of life include gastrointestinal haemorrhage, blockage, malnutrition, and cachexia. The goal of multidisciplinary management techniques is to treat these issues and enhance patient outcomes.
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