Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a type of cancer that occurs in the stomach. It is a malignant tumor that develops from the lining of the stomach and can spread to other parts of the body.

Types of Gastric Cancer

• Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common type of gastric cancer, accounting for about 90% of all cases. It develops from the glandular cells in the stomach lining.
• Lymphoma: This type of cancer starts in the immune system cells in the stomach and can spread to other parts of the body.
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): This is a rare type of tumor that develops from the connective tissue in the stomach wall.
• Carcinoid tumor: This is a slow-growing tumor that develops from the hormone-producing cells in the stomach lining.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of gastric cancer is not known, but several factors can increase a person's risk of developing the disease. These include:

• Age: Gastric cancer is more common in people over the age of 50.
• Family history: Having a family history of gastric cancer or other cancers can increase a person's risk.
• Diet: A diet high in salted, smoked, or poorly preserved foods can increase the risk of gastric cancer.
• Infection with H. pylori bacteria: This type of bacteria is a common cause of stomach ulcers and can also increase the risk of gastric cancer.
• Smoking: Smoking tobacco can increase the risk of gastric cancer.

Symptoms

The symptoms of gastric cancer can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Bloating or feeling full after eating a small amount of food

Diagnosis

Gastric cancer is typically diagnosed using a combination of the following tests:

• Upper endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera and light on the end is inserted through the mouth to visualize the stomach lining.
• Biopsy: A sample of tissue is removed from the stomach lining and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.
• Imaging tests: CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans may be used to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment

The treatment for gastric cancer depends on the stage and location of the tumor. Common treatments include:

• Surgery: The tumor is removed surgically, along with a portion of the stomach and surrounding tissue.
• Chemotherapy: Medications are used to kill cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body.
• Radiation therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells in the stomach.
• Targeted therapy: Medications are used to target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Stages of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is typically staged using the TNM system, which takes into account the size and location of the tumor (T), the presence of lymph node metastases (N), and the presence of distant metastases (M). The stages are:

• Stage 0: The cancer is limited to the stomach lining and has not invaded deeper tissues.
• Stage I: The cancer has invaded the stomach wall but has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
• Stage II: The cancer has invaded the stomach wall and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage III: The cancer has invaded the stomach wall and has spread to more distant lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread to distant sites, such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneum.

Prognosis

The prognosis for gastric cancer depends on the stage and location of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient. Generally, the 5-year survival rate for people with gastric cancer is:

• 90% for those diagnosed at an early stage (Stage 0 or I)
• 50-60% for those diagnosed at a more advanced stage (Stage II or III)
• 10-20% for those diagnosed with distant metastases (Stage IV)

Prevention

While there is no sure way to prevent gastric cancer, the following measures can reduce a person's risk:

• Eating a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce the risk of gastric cancer.
• Avoiding tobacco smoke: Quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke can reduce the risk of gastric cancer.
• Getting regular check-ups: Regular health check-ups can help detect gastric cancer at an early stage, when it is more treatable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is gastric cancer?
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the stomach.

What are the symptoms of gastric cancer?
Symptoms may include abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What causes gastric cancer?
The exact cause is unclear, but risk factors include infection with H. pylori bacteria, diet, and family history.

How is gastric cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging tests such as CT scans.

What are the stages of gastric cancer?
Stages range from 0 to IV, depending on tumor size, depth, and spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.

What are the treatment options for gastric cancer?
Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.

Can gastric cancer be prevented?
While not entirely preventable, reducing risk factors such as H. pylori infection and maintaining a healthy diet may lower risk.

Is gastric cancer curable?
Early-stage gastric cancer may be curable with treatment, but outcomes vary depending on stage and individual factors.

What is the prognosis for gastric cancer?
Prognosis depends on stage, overall health, and response to treatment, with generally better outcomes for early-stage disease.

Are there any genetic risk factors for gastric cancer?
Yes, certain genetic syndromes, such as hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, increase the risk of developing gastric cancer.