Stomach cancer symptoms, causes, and treatment?

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, refers to the growth of cancerous cells within the lining of the stomach. It typically starts in the innermost layer of the stomach and can spread to other parts of the stomach or nearby organs as it progresses.

Best stomach cancer doctor in sonipat stomach cancer often develops slowly over many years. The main types include adenocarcinoma (which starts in the glandular tissue of the stomach lining) and lymphoma and sarcoma (which are less common). Factors that can increase the risk of stomach cancer include infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, a diet high in salty and smoked foods, family history of stomach cancer, smoking, and certain genetic conditions.


Here are some common signs and symptoms of stomach cancer:
Abdominal Pain: Persistent discomfort or pain in the abdomen, typically around the navel area.

Feeling Full or Bloated: Even after eating small meals, you may feel full quickly or experience bloating.

Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling nauseous or vomiting, especially if it persists without an obvious cause.

Difficulty Swallowing: Also known as dysphagia, this can occur when the cancer obstructs the passage from the esophagus to the stomach.

Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying can be a sign of many cancers, including stomach cancer.

Loss of Appetite: A decreased desire to eat that persists over time.

Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak, even after rest.

Blood in Stool: This can appear as black, tarry stools (melena) or stools that appear red due to blood.

Anemia: A low red blood cell count, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath.

Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, although this is less common and usually indicates advanced cancer.

The exact cause of stomach cancer is not fully understood, but several factors can increase the risk:
Helicobacter pylori infection: This bacterium can infect the stomach lining and cause chronic inflammation, which increases the risk of stomach cancer.

Dietary factors: A diet high in salty, smoked, or pickled foods, and low in fruits and vegetables, may increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Smoking: People who smoke cigarettes are at higher risk of developing stomach cancer.

Family history: Having a close relative (parent or sibling) who has had stomach cancer increases your risk.

Age and gender: Stomach cancer is more common in older adults and tends to affect men more frequently than women.

Pernicious anemia: A condition in which the stomach does not properly absorb vitamin B12 can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Obesity: Being overweight or obese may increase the risk of developing certain types of stomach cancer.

Previous stomach surgery: People who have had certain types of stomach surgery may have an increased risk of stomach cancer.

Occupational exposure: Some occupations, such as coal mining, metal processing, and rubber manufacturing, may expose individuals to chemicals that increase their risk of stomach cancer.

Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as chronic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and gastric polyps can increase the risk of stomach cancer.



 

Treatment option for stomach cancer

Treatment for the best stomach cancer doctor in sonipat depends on several factors including the stage of the cancer, the location within the stomach, the overall health of the patient, and their preferences. Here are the main treatment options:

Surgery: Surgery is often the primary treatment for stomach cancer, especially if the cancer is detected early and has not spread extensively. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. In some cases, part of the stomach (subtotal or partial gastrectomy) or the entire stomach (total gastrectomy) may need to be removed. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed during surgery.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It can be used before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink the tumor, after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to kill any remaining cancer cells, or as the primary treatment for advanced or metastatic stomach cancer.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor, after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells, or as palliative treatment to relieve symptoms in advanced cases.

Targeted therapy: Targeted therapies are drugs that specifically target abnormalities present within cancer cells. They work differently from chemotherapy drugs and may be used in combination with other treatments for certain types of stomach cancer.

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy works by stimulating the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It is a newer approach being studied in clinical trials for stomach cancer treatment.

Palliative care: Palliative care focuses on providing relief from symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with advanced stomach cancer. It can be provided alongside curative treatment or as the main approach for patients who are not candidates for aggressive treatment.



Conclusion

Stomach cancer, a formidable adversary in the realm of health, underscores the critical importance of awareness and early detection. The symptoms, ranging from persistent indigestion to unintentional weight loss, can often be mistaken for less severe ailments, making vigilance essential. Understanding the causes, including genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, and dietary influences, empowers individuals to make informed choices that may mitigate risk.