Stomach (gastric) Cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer related death in the world. The stomach is a part of the digestive tract. Cancer can occur anywhere in the stomach. Most of the time cancer involves abnormal...
Stomach (gastric) Cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer related death in the world. The stomach is a part of the digestive tract. Cancer can occur anywhere in the stomach. Most of the time cancer involves abnormal growth of the cells in the place where the stomach meets the oesophagus.
According to the studies stomach cancer starts in your stomach lining and grows slowly. If stomach cancer is left untreated then the tumour may grow deeper into the stomach and it may spread to the surrounding structure like pancreas and liver. It may also cause distant metastases.
Stomach cancer, though less common than some other forms of cancer, is a serious disease that requires attention and awareness. Also stomach cancer affects men and women differently that makes it difficult to diagnose it. It's crucial to understand its symptoms, different stages, primary causes, warning signs and how to treat it.
Stomach cancer, though less common than some other forms of cancer, is a serious disease that requires attention and awareness.
What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, develops when abnormal cells in the stomach grow out of control. This collection of cancerous cells is known as tumour and over time it spreads deeper in the stomach. This disease can affect any part of the stomach and may spread to other organs if not detected and treated early.
What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?
While stomach cancer may not show early symptoms. In the early phase patients may show unexplained weight loss and stomach pain.
Symptoms of Stomach Cancer Includes:
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble swallowing
- Fatigue and weakness
- Persistent indigestion
- Abdominal discomfort or pain, Unintentional weight loss, Vomiting,
- Blood in the stool or black stool
- Feeling fullness after eating small amounts.
What Are the Causes of Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer causes may include:-
- Family history of stomach cancer
- Infection from bacteria , virus or fungi like - H.Pylori. Epstein Barr Virus(EBV)
- Persistent Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)
- Gastritis
- Recurrent stomach ulcers
- Unhealthy diet - high intake fatty, salty, smoked and pickled foods
- Smoking or vaping
- Obesity
- High intake of alcohol
- Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
How is Stomach Cancer Diagnosed?
There are different tests which are used to diagnose stomach cancer. Before prescribing a test doctor will examine and consider many factors like- type of cancer, sign and symptoms, age, health conditions and test results of earlier medical tests.
The following tests may be used to diagnose stomach cancer
Biopsy
The golden test to diagnose stomach cancer accurately. During biopsy a small tissue is removed from the affected area then pathologists analyse the cells, tissues and organs to diagnose disease.
It's a non-invasive procedure.
Biomarker Testings
In order to identify particular genes, proteins, and other characteristics specific to the tumour, your doctor might advise performing laboratory testing on a sample of the tumour. Another name for this would be molecular testing of the tumour. Your treatment options may be determined in part by the results of these tests. For stomach cancer, testings may be done for PD-L1, high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) and HER2 tests
Endoscopy
Endoscopy enables the doctor to view the internal organs through a flexible, thin, illuminated tube known as an endoscope or gastroscope. As the tube is passed through the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach and small bowel, the patient might be put to sleep. Medication for sedation is used to induce calmness, relaxation, or sleep. During an endoscopy, the physician can take a biopsy sample of tissue to look for indications of cancer.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound is a non-invasive technique in which sound waves are used to produce an image of the internal organs. Doctors can assess the extent of cancerous growth in the stomach and surrounding organs, tissue, lymph nodes, and liver by using an ultrasound image of the stomach wall.
Barium
A barium swallow involves the patient swallowing a liquid that contains barium while several x-rays are taken. Because barium coats the lining of the stomach, intestines, and oesophagus, abnormalities such as tumours can be more easily seen on x-rays
CT Scan
CT Scan can help in diagnosing tumors and other abnormalities that may be cancer realted
MRI
Imaging tests produce images that your healthcare team can use to search for evidence of metastases from stomach cancer. The images might depict cancer cells in adjacent lymph nodes or other body parts.
PET Scan
PET scan can show if cancer has spread throughout your body. With the help of tests liver health can be detected that may cause stomach cancer.
Blood Test
Blood test can give clues in early stages of stomach cancer
Importance of Early Detection
Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Regular health check-ups and screenings at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre can aid in identifying stomach cancer in its early stages, providing more treatment options and a better prognosis.
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we are committed to offering comprehensive screening services, utilising advanced technology and a skilled team of professionals to ensure timely detection and treatment of stomach cancer and other health conditions.
Take Control of Your Health Today:
Your health is your greatest asset. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.
Visit Ganesh Diagnostic And Imaging Centre for regular check-ups and screenings to prioritise your well-being and catch any potential health concerns, including stomach cancer, at an early and treatable stage.
Early detection saves lives.
Contact us today to schedule a screening and take a proactive step towards a healthier future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cancer of the Stomach Be Cured?
Stomach cancer can be cured if it is detected in the early stages. Most of the time , stomach cancer is detected in the later stages when symptoms begin.
When Should I Seek a Doctor for the Diagnosis and Treatment?
If you are at high risk of stomach cancer, then you need to ask your doctor for help. Also you need to see your doctor if you have symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and black stool.
How Dangerous is Cancer of the Stomach?
If stomach cancer is not discovered in time, it may be lethal. It is possible to treat stomach cancer if detected early. But stomach cancer frequently goes undetected until it has invaded other organs or lymph nodes or symptoms start to appear. Only 1 in 5 people will make it through the full five years.
What Are Stages of Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer staging
- Stage 0: In early stages cancer doesn't spread into deeper layers of the stomach.
- Stage I: In this cancer is spread into the inner layer of the stomach or outer surroundings. Cancer has spread into the 1 or 2 lymph nodes.
- Stage”- The tumour has spread into the deeper layers of the stomach and spread into certain lymph nodes, but not spread to other areas of the body.
- Stage III- The tumour size is larger in this stage and growing through the layers of the stomach into connective tissue outside the stomach. Cancer has spread into the lymph nodes but hasn't spread beyond the stomach.
- StageIV - The cancer has spread to other organs.
What are the various types of stomach cancer?
Types of stomach cancer
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
- Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors
- Lymphomas
Is stomach cancer curable in stage three?
Since most stomach cancers are discovered when they are in stages 3 or 4, there is typically no chance of a recovery. The cancer's propensity to spread further in the future is indicated by the grade.
Will CT-Scan detect cancer of the stomach?
A CT scan creates fine-grained, cross-sectional images of the body's soft tissues using x-rays. CT scans can confirm the location of a cancer and show the stomach fairly clearly. CT scans can also reveal other organs, such as the liver and surrounding lymph nodes, to which stomach cancer may have spread.
Is PET-CT diagnosing Stomach cancer?
When it comes to evaluating lung, colon, breast, melanoma, lymphoma, head and neck, and esophageal cancers, PET/CT is thought to be the most accurate imaging test available. PET has demonstrated an accuracy of about 90% in many of these cancer types in published research studies.
