Stomach cancer, also referred to as gastric cancer, is a serious condition characterised by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the stomach lining. It can develop slowly and may not show any symptoms until it is at a more advanced stage.
With variable incidence rates determined by geography, lifestyle, and genetic factors, this type of cancer represents a major global health concern. Early detection and treatment are important for improving outcomes, yet the disease often goes undiagnosed until it has progressed.
The following article is a comprehensive review of stomach cancer. It talks about the causes, symptoms, and available treatments of this severe disease.
What is Stomach Cancer?
The term “stomach cancer” describes cancer that starts in the stomach lining (or mucosa). Usually starting as a small, localised tumour, it has the potential to develop and spread to other stomach regions or adjacent organs.
There are various forms of stomach cancer, with adenocarcinoma being the most prevalent. The prognosis and course of treatment for this cancer can be affected by its growth pattern, extent of invasion, and dissemination to surrounding areas.
Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
Early detection of stomach cancer is difficult due to the disease’s unclear symptoms, which can also match those of less serious diseases. Common signs and symptoms include:
Digestive Issues
One of the primary issues associated with stomach cancer is persistent indigestion or heartburn that does not improve with over-the-counter medications. This ongoing discomfort could be an indication of a more serious stomach issue. Another common symptom is nausea or vomiting on a regular basis. Vomiting may occasionally contain blood or resemble coffee grounds, which could be signs of severe stomach lining irritation or possible internal bleeding. A thorough medical evaluation is necessary for each of these gastrointestinal issues.
Abdominal Symptoms
Abdominal symptoms are significant indicators of stomach cancer. A common factor being pain or discomfort in the stomach area, which may be constant or intermittent. This pain can be persistent and may not have an apparent cause.
Bloating is another common side effect of stomach cancer, which is the feeling of being abnormally full or enlarged after eating only a small amount of food. This sensation of fullness, often accompanied by discomfort, can suggest that the stomach is not functioning properly.
Appetite and Weight Changes
Changes in appetite and weight are also key symptoms to watch for. A noticeable decrease in appetite or an aversion to certain foods can be concerning. These changes can lead to unexplained weight loss, which may occur despite maintaining everyday eating habits. This sudden or unexplained weight loss can be a critical sign that something is wrong with the digestive system and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Other Symptoms
Stomach cancer may present with additional symptoms, such as persistent fatigue or weakness that does not improve with rest. This chronic tiredness can significantly affect daily activities and overall quality of life. Difficulty swallowing or the feeling of food being stuck, can also occur and make eating increasingly uncomfortable.
Anaemia, a decrease in red blood cell count, is another symptom that can occur along with stomach cancer. This condition can manifest as paleness and shortness of breath and may be related to internal bleeding or other complications associated with the tumour. Recognising these symptoms and seeking timely medical attention is essential for effective management and treatment.
Causes of Stomach Cancer
The uncontrolled growth of stomach lining cells is the cause of stomach cancer. Several factors can increase the risk of stomach cancer, while the exact reason is yet unknown. The following are the causes of stomach cancer:
Genetic Factors
A significant risk factor is a family history of stomach cancer since those with this background are more likely to have the disease. There is also a chance that some hereditary genetic alterations, such as those linked to hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC), will increase the risk. From an early age, these genetic abnormalities can predispose people to stomach cancer, which frequently results in more aggressive types of the illness.
Also, a higher risk of stomach cancer has been associated with hereditary disorders such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). These diseases result from inherited genetic abnormalities and significantly increase the possibility of getting several kinds of cancers, including stomach cancer.
Environmental Factors
Dietary practices significantly influence the chance of having stomach cancer. A higher risk of the disease is linked to diets that are low in fruits and vegetables and high in foods that are salted, pickled, or smoked.
Consuming processed meats like bacon and sausages, which contain nitrates and nitrites, might also raise one’s risk of developing cancer. In the stomach, these chemicals may combine to generate compounds that cause cancer.
One further significant risk factor is an ongoing Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. This bacterium produces chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, which can eventually lead to cancer by causing alterations in the stomach cells over time.
Lifestyle Factors
Tobacco use is also related to an increased risk of stomach cancer. Carcinogens in tobacco smoke can damage the stomach lining and contribute to cancer development over time. The danger is further compounded by excessive alcohol consumption, which can irritate and damage the stomach lining.
Chronic alcohol use is known to cause inflammation and changes in the stomach lining that may eventually lead to cancerous changes. These lifestyle factors can interact with other risk factors, further increasing the likelihood of developing stomach cancer.
Pre Existing Conditions
Continuous irritation and inflammation are symptoms of chronic gastritis, and they can cause cellular alterations and raise the risk of cancer.
Certain types of stomach polyps, especially those that are large or numerous, can also become cancerous. While most stomach polyps are benign, the presence of multiple or atypical polyps can raise the risk of developing stomach cancer. Regular monitoring and removal of such polyps are often recommended to manage this risk.
Treatment of Stomach Cancer
Here are the treatment strategies available for managing stomach cancer:
Surgery
The general treatment for stomach cancer is surgery, which can take several forms depending on how advanced the condition is. The portion of the stomach containing the tumour is removed during a partial gastrectomy.
The goal of this treatment is to remove malignant tissue while leaving as much of the stomach intact as possible to allow for regular digestion. In more advanced situations, a total gastrectomy can be required. Following the complete removal of the stomach, the digestive tract must be rebuilt to facilitate proper digestion.
After a total gastrectomy, the oesophagus is frequently connected directly to the small intestine, allowing the patient to resume eating and digesting.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to eliminate or lessen the growth rate of cancer cells and can be administered in different phases of treatment. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is offered before surgery to shrink tumours, making it easier to remove them and potentially improving surgical outcomes.
Adjuvant chemotherapy, on the other hand, is administered after surgery to target and eliminate any remaining cancer cells that may have left during the procedure. This approach aims to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and can improve long-term survival rates.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy entails using high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. Although it is less commonly used for stomach cancer compared to other treatments, it may be recommended in certain situations.
Radiation therapy can be used to manage symptoms or provide palliative care for patients with advanced cancer. It can help to alleviate pain, reduce tumour size, and improve the quality of life for patients who cannot undergo surgery or have inoperable tumours.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy consists of drugs designed to target cancer cells while minimising harm to normal cells. This approach can be extra effective in treating advanced stomach cancer by focusing on specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival.
Targeted therapies may be used together with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, to increase their effectiveness and provide a more thorough treatment strategy for patients with advanced disease.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy works by helping the immune system point out and attack cancer cells. This treatment can be an option for some patients with advanced stomach cancer, particularly those whose cancer has specific genetic markers or expressions that make them suitable candidates for immunotherapy.
By enhancing the body’s natural defence mechanisms, immunotherapy aims to more effectively target and destroy cancer cells and reduce the overall burden of the disease.
Supportive Care
Supportive care is another essential aspect of managing stomach cancer. It focuses on bettering the patient’s quality of life and addressing symptoms associated with the disease and its treatments. It includes pain relief, nutritional support to help maintain strength and health, and psychological counselling to address the emotional and mental impact of cancer.
Supportive care aims to provide comprehensive management to enhance overall well-being and help patients cope with the challenges of their illness and treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stomach cancer is a severe disease influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Its symptoms are often subtle, making early detection challenging but crucial for effective treatment. Advances in surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies offer hope, yet the prognosis heavily depends on early diagnosis. Awareness and regular check-ups are essential for improving outcomes in the fight against this disease.
