Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric 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.

What is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the stomach grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The stomach is a muscular sac that plays a vital role in digesting food. The lining of the stomach produces mucus to protect itself from the acidic digestive juices. However, when the lining of the stomach becomes damaged or inflamed, it can lead to the development of cancer cells.

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

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

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Bloating or feeling full after eating a small amount of food
• Vomiting blood or having black, tarry stools
• Difficulty swallowing

Causes and Risk Factors of Stomach Cancer

The exact cause of stomach cancer is not known, but several factors can increase the risk of developing the disease. These include:

• Age: Stomach cancer is more common in people over the age of 55
• Family history: Having a family history of stomach cancer increases the risk
• Diet: A diet high in salted, smoked, or pickled foods can increase the risk
• Infection with H. pylori bacteria: This type of bacteria can cause stomach inflammation and increase the risk of cancer
• Smoking: Smoking tobacco can increase the risk of stomach cancer
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of stomach cancer

Treatments for Stomach Cancer

The treatment for stomach cancer depends on the stage and location of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient. Common treatments include:

• Surgery: Removing part or all of the stomach to eliminate the tumor
• Chemotherapy: Using medications to kill cancer cells
• Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
• Targeted therapy: Using medications that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and spread
• Immunotherapy: Using medications that stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells

Surgical Options for Stomach Cancer

There are several surgical options for stomach cancer, including:

• Gastrectomy: Removing part or all of the stomach
• Subtotal gastrectomy: Removing the lower part of the stomach
• Total gastrectomy: Removing the entire stomach
• Esophagectomy: Removing the esophagus and nearby lymph nodes

Stages of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is typically staged using the TNM system, which takes into account the size and location of the tumor (T), the spread to nearby lymph nodes (N), and the presence of metastasis (M). The stages of stomach cancer are:

• Stage 0: Cancer cells are found only in the lining of the stomach
• Stage I: Cancer has invaded the mucosa or submucosa, but not the muscularis propria
• Stage II: Cancer has invaded the muscularis propria, but not the serosa
• Stage III: Cancer has invaded the serosa or nearby tissues
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body

Prognosis and Survival Rates for Stomach Cancer

The prognosis and survival rates for stomach cancer vary depending 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 stomach cancer is around 30-40%. However, if the cancer is caught early, the 5-year survival rate can be as high as 90%.