The lining of the stomach is affected by stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Early detection and effective management of stomach cancer require knowledge of its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods.
There is no exact cause for stomach cancer, but several factors may increase the risk. These factors include:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.
Gastritis or stomach ulcers are long-term inflammations of the stomach lining.
Tobacco smoking.
Drinking too much alcohol.
There is a family history of stomach cancer.
Mutations in certain genes.
Risk increases with age.
In the early stages of stomach cancer, no symptoms may be present, and symptoms may vary depending on the location and stage of the cancer. Common symptoms of stomach cancer include:
Pain or discomfort in the abdomen that persists.
After eating small amounts of food, you feel full or bloated.
Vomiting and nausea.
Weight loss that is unexplained.
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
Appetite loss.
Weakness or fatigue.
There is blood in the stool or black, tarry stools (indicating digestive bleeding).
Typically, stomach cancer is diagnosed through a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
In order to assess for signs of stomach cancer, healthcare providers will ask about symptoms and risk factors.
During an endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube containing a camera (endoscope) is inserted into the stomach to visualize the lining and collect tissue samples for examination under a microscope.
CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans can be performed to determine the extent of the cancer and identify metastases (spread) to other organs.
The presence of certain markers associated with stomach cancer, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) or CA 19-9, may be detected through blood tests.
The treatment for stomach cancer depends on the stage, location, and overall health of the patient. Treatment options include:
Early-stage stomach cancer may require surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue (partial or total gastrectomy).
Cancer cells are killed or tumors are shrunk by chemotherapy, which can be used before or after surgery (neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy) or as the primary treatment for advanced stomach cancer.
To treat stomach cancer, radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells.
For advanced or metastatic stomach cancer, targeted therapy drugs target specific proteins or pathways involved in cancer growth.
Certain lifestyle changes and risk reduction strategies may help lower the risk of stomach cancer, although it may not be possible to prevent all cases:
Avoid tobacco products and quit smoking.
Consume alcohol in moderation.
Ensure that you maintain a healthy weight and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Processed or smoked meats and foods high in salt or nitrates should be avoided.
Manage conditions such as H. pylori infection, gastritis, or stomach ulcers as soon as possible.
If your family has a history of stomach cancer or hereditary cancer syndromes, consider genetic counseling and testing.
