What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the stomach. Gastric cancer or stomach cancer can start off and affect any part of the stomach. the type of treatment to be provided depends on the point of origin of the stomach cancer.
What are the types of stomach cancer?
- Adenocarcinoma: This kind of cancer forms in the inner most lining of the stomach called mucosa. Almost 95% of the stomach cancers are adenocarcinoma.
- Lymphoma: This kind of cancer is formed in the in the immune system cells that are at times found in the lining of the stomach.
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST): These tumors can be found anywhere in the digestive tract. However they are relatively rare and start in the walls of the stomach.
- Carcinoid Tumor: These tumors are formed in the hormone producing cells of the stomach. This kind of cancer usually does not spread to the nearby organs.
- Other Cancers: Some of the other types of cancer which can start in the stomach are squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, and leiomyosarcoma.
How to decrease the chances of developing Stomach cancer?
Few tips to reduce the risk of stomach cancer:
- Healthy Weight: If you are overweight then plan on reducing weight and bringing to optimum value.
- Diet: Incorporate good amount of Fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Reduce salty foods as much as possible.
- Quit Smoking.
- If you have a family history of stomach cancer, talk to your doctor regarding your risk factors.
How is stomach cancer diagnosed?
Few diagnostic tests can be used to detect stomach cancer:
- Endoscopy: Imaging using a small tube which is passed down the mouth to the stomach.
- Biopsy.
- CT Scan.
- MRI Scan.
- Barium Swallow.
- Blood Tests.
How is Stomach Cancer Treated?
Treatment could include:
- Chemotherapy.
- Targeted therapy.
- Radiation Therapy.
- Surgery.
- Immunotherapy.
What are the symptoms of Stomach Cancer?
Few of the symptoms of advanced stomach cancer are:
- Vomiting.
- Nausea.
- Heartburn.
- Appetite loss.
- Loss of weight.
- Jaundice.
- Diarrhoea.
- Excessive weakness.
- Abdominal pain after meals.
- Bloating.
What are the stages of Stomach Cancer?
- Stage 0: Abnormal cells present in the inside of the stomach which are not yet cancerous.
- Stage 1: There may be a tumor in the lining of the stomach and it could spread to lymph nodes.
- Stage 2: Cancer has spread deep inside the stomach and to nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage 3: Cancer had penetrated deep into the tissues and nearby organs.
- Stage 4: Cancer has now spread to distant organs as well.