What is stomach cancer?
When the cells in the stomach, especially glandular cells, get mutated and start over growing
forming a tumour its called stomach cancer. Stomach cancer is also called as gastric cancer.
And Majority of stomach cancers belong to type called Adenocarcinoma stomach.
What are types of Stomach cancer?
Depending on the cell of origin of the cancer the stomach/gastric cancer are subdivided in to
the following types
- 1. Adenocarcinoma, arises from the mucosa of the stomach. 90-95% of stomach cancers are
adenocarcinoma.
- 2. Lymphoma, this arises from the cells of immune system in the wall of stomach
- 3. Gastrointestinal stromal tumour, arising from the supporting/mesenchymal cells beneath
the mucosa of the stomach
- 4. Carcinoid tumour, Also called neuro-endocrine tumours arise from the supporting cells in
the wall of the stomach.
What are causes of the Stomach or Gastric cancer?
- 1. Ulcers caused by the H. Pylori bacteria
- 2. Chronic gastritis, autoimmune or H. Pylori bacteria
- 3. Pernicious anemia
- 4. Polyps of the stomach
- 5. Salt or pickled diet
- 6. Obesity or Over weight
- 7. Previous gastric surgery with a bypass, especially for a stomach ulcer
- 8. Genetic
What are the symptoms of the Stomach or Gastric cancer?
Most of the stomach cancer symptoms are neglected as a simple gastritis symptoms till advanced
stage as there is overlap of symptoms. So as a precautionary measure if any of the following
symptoms occurring recurrently should be evaluated.
- 1. Epigastric pain or heart burt
- 2. Nausea and vomiting
- 3. Constant bloating
- 4. Loss of appetite
- 5. Loss of weight
- 6. Epigastric fullness
- 7. Blood in vomitus or black coloured stools
- 8. Jaundice
- 9. Excessive fatigue
How is Stomach or Gastric cancer diagnosed?
Depending on the symptoms and the clinical condition, the following tests are considered for the
diagnosis of the gastric cancer
- 1. Endoscopy with biopsy
- 2. Contrast enhanced CT (CECT abdomen)
- 3. PET-CT
What are the treatment options for gastric or stomach cancer?
Depending on the stage of the gastric cancer treatment options are tailored on patient to
patient bases
- Surgery, Involves removal of partial or total stomach along with lymphnode removal named
as Radical Sub total or total gastrectomy.
- Endoscopic, includes Endoscopic mucosal resection or Endoscopic submucosal dissection can
be considered in early cancers.
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
Can stomach or gastric cancer be prevented?
A good and healthy life style can reduce the cancers of occurrence of stomach cancer.
These include
- Avoiding preserved or smoked food
- High fiber and anti-oxidant rich foods
- Avoiding tobacco and alcohol consumption
- Exercise and staying fit
