The term abdominal cancer refers to a collection of cancers that start in the organs and tissues found in the abdominal cavity. The abdominal cavity contains important organs like the kidneys, pancreas, stomach, liver, and intestines (small and large).
Abdominal cancers can vary widely in their nature, symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches, depending on the specific organ or tissue affected.
This article aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of these complicated diseases and how to manage them by going over the types, symptoms, causes, and treatments of abdominal cancers.
Types of Abdominal Cancers
Many organs within the abdominal cavity can give rise to abdominal cancers. Here are some of the most common types:
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Gallbladder Cancer
- Small Intestine Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Appendiceal Cancer
Symptoms of Abdominal Cancers
The symptoms of abdominal cancers vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. However, there are some common symptoms:
Weight Loss
Significant weight loss with no dietary or exercise routine changes can be a sign of many types of abdominal cancers. Energy deficiency and general weakness often go along with this weight loss.
Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
An issue with the organs in the abdomen may be indicated by ongoing pain or discomfort in the abdominal area. Pain levels vary from mild discomfort to severe cramps and can be irregular or continuous.
Changes in Bowel Habits
It can include persistent diarrhoea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency or colour. Frequent changes in bowel habits can also indicate a feeling of insufficient elimination.
Nausea and Vomiting
Many abdominal cancers, particularly those that impact the digestive system, frequently exhibit these symptoms. Nutritional deficiencies and dehydration can result from ongoing nausea and vomiting.
Loss of Appetite
Abdominal cancer warning signs may include a sudden or progressive loss of appetite. This symptom may be associated with a lack of appetite, in which the person feels full quickly and frequently, resulting in significant weight loss.
Abdominal Swelling
Bloating or swelling may be a sign of an accumulation of fluid or tumour in the abdominal cavity. Also, this could result in discomfort and an obvious enlargement of the abdomen.
Jaundice
Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a symptom of gallbladder or liver issues, including cancer. It occurs when bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced by the liver, builds up. This symptom often indicates a blockage in the bile ducts or significant liver dysfunction.
Difficulty Swallowing
A symptom of the stomach or oesophagal cancer is dysphagia or difficulty swallowing. It may lead to unintended weight loss and can associated with pain or a feeling that food is lodged in the throat or chest.
Causes of Abdominal Cancers
Here are the few causes of abdominal cancers:
Genetic Factors
The risk of developing certain abdominal cancers, like colorectal and ovarian cancers, can be significantly increased by inherited genetic mutations and family history. It is well known that specific gene mutations, such as those in BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase the risk of cancer.
Chronic Infections
Chronic infections can cause severe inflammation and changes to cells that can lead to cancer. Examples of such infections are hepatitis B and C for liver cancer and Helicobacter pylori for stomach cancer.
Lifestyle Factors
A diet high in processed foods and red meats, along with excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, can increase the risk of several types of abdominal cancers. A lack of physical activity and inactive lifestyles also increase the risk of cancer.
Environmental Exposures
Abdominal cancer risk may be increased by exposure to specific chemicals and toxins. Notably, ongoing asbestos exposure is recognised as a risk factor for abdominal cancer. Pollutants, industrial chemicals, and chemical products can all have a significant impact on the development of cancer.
Obesity
Obesity and increased body weight are substantial risk factors for liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers, among other types of abdominal cancers. Inflammation and hormone abnormalities caused by extra body fat may result in the development of cancer.
Treatments for Abdominal Cancers
The treatment of abdominal cancers is influenced by the type and stage of cancer, along with the overall health of the patient. Standard treatment options include:
Surgery
Surgery is often the key treatment for many types of abdominal cancers. It involves taking out the tumour and, in some cases, nearby lymph nodes and tissues. Surgical methods range depending on the location and size of the cancer from minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery to more involved operation.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medications to either kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. It is frequently used in conjunction with other treatments and can be given orally or intravenously. Chemotherapy works well on metastatic cancers because it is a systemic treatment, meaning that it can impact the entire body. Although they are treated with supportive care, side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss are possible.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy entails the use of high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells specifically. It can be carried out on its own or in combination with chemotherapy and surgery. Depending on the type and location of the cancer, radiation can be given internally (brachytherapy) or externally. It may have unfavourable effects like fatigue and skin irritation, but it is accurate and can spare nearby healthy tissues.
Targeted Therapy
Drugs used in targeted therapy target cancer cells exclusively while causing the least amount of harm to healthy cells. Compared to conventional chemotherapy, this method may be more efficient and cause fewer side effects.
These treatments, which are usually used when cancer cells exhibit particular genetic mutations, block particular molecules essential to the progression and survival of cancer cells. Genetic testing can be used on patients to see if they are considered for specific treatments.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy strengthens the body’s ability to identify and fight cancerous cells. It appears to be promising in the treatment of various forms of stomach cancer. Immunotherapy for cancer cells may involve immune checkpoint blockers, vaccinations, and other techniques that improve the immune system’s ability to target cancer cells.
Immunotherapy can produce notable benefits, but there is a chance that it will have immune-related side effects that need to be carefully managed.
Supportive Care
The goals of supportive care for patients with advanced cancer are symptom relief and enhanced quality of life. It covers nutritional support, emotional support, and pain management. It can be given in combination with curative therapies to treat conditions like pain, nausea, and exhaustion, improving comfort and well-being. It also involves coordinating care with various specialists to ensure full support for the patient and family.
Conclusion
In conclusion, abdominal cancers are a wide range of cancers that impact the organs located within the abdominal cavity. Early detection and treatment are substantial for improving outcomes. People can lower their risk and seek prompt medical attention when needed by being aware of the different types, symptoms, causes, and available treatments for abdominal cancers. Preventing these cancers and improving general health and well-being are largely dependent on regular screening and a healthy lifestyle.
