Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the stomach The stomach is a sac-like structure made of muscles. The stomach secretes digestive juices and enzymes that help in the digestion of food.

Stomach cancer can occur in any part of the stomach. However, in most of the world, stomach cancers form in the main part of the stomach (body of stomach).

Factors that increase the risk of the stomach cancer are:

• Gender: more common in males
• Advancing age
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Obesity
• High intake of salty and roasted foods
• Low intake of fruits and vegetables
• Family history of stomach cancer
• Infection with Helicobacter pylori
• Long-term stomach inflammation (gastritis)
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Certain types of Stomach polyps (growths)
• Heriditary syndromes : HNPCC, FAP, GAPPS, Li Fraumeni Syndrome, Peutz Jegher’s syndrome.

Signs and symptoms of stomach cancer include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Feeling bloated after eating
• Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Unintentional weight loss
• Vomiting
• Abdominal distention
• Black stools

If you observe any such signs and symptoms that worry you, consult your doctor immediately.

Diagnostic tests and procedures for stomach cancer include:

• Upper endoscopy: A tiny camera to see inside your stomach via your throat so that your doctor can visualize the signs of cancer.
• Biopsy is done using special tools that remove a tissue sample which is sent to a lab to look for presence of cancer.
• Imaging tests. Imaging tests include CT, PET (positron emission tomography) scan.
• Endoscopic ultrasound. This utilizes a special ultrasound tool that is incorporated into an endoscope to visualize the inside of the stomach. This technology is used to diagnose early stomach cancers that can be resected by endoscopy.

Treatment options for stomach cancer depend on the cancer’s stage and location. Your doctor will also consider your overall health and personal preferences while creating a treatment plan.

Surgical intervention :

Any curative treatment of stomach cancer involves surgery. Surgery includes removing the tumour with a cuff of normal stomach tissue and surrounding lymph nodes. Based on the location of tumor, a part of it or the whole of stomach has to be removed.
The procedure to remove a part of the stomach is known as Subtotal Gastrectomy. This is done for cancers situated in the lower part of stomach ( Antrum and Pylorus).
Removing the entire stomach is known as Total Gastrectomy. It is done for cancers located in the upper part of the stomach.

Chemotherapy :

Locally advanced stomach cancers that have penetrated through the muscles layers and those that have spread to the nodes require chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is generally divided into two parts. One part is given before surgery and the second part is given after surgery.

Chemotherapy is necessary, even when successful surgery is possible, in these cases to prevent recurrence and prolong survival. Early stomach cancers do not need chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is also given in advanced inoperable cases and stage 4 metastatic cases to control the spread of cancer.

Radiation:

Radiation therapy uses high power beams to destroy cancer cells. Radiation is generally not used for stomach cancer except in some select cases.

Chances of recovery from gastric cancer are greater if diagnosed early. Hence, it is necessary to get yourself screened as soon as you notice any cancer symptoms. If the cancer is localized, it is easier to treat, but it becomes more complex once it starts spreading.