Stomach cancer mainly affects people over the age of 65.
New cases have decreased by 1.5% annually in the last decade.
Being on the lookout for stomach cancer symptoms is crucial for early detection.
Abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and difficulty swallowing are all major red flags.
Don’t ignore these symptoms, they could indicate a serious problem.
Most cases are adenocarcinomas in the glandular cells of the stomach.
There are several types of stomach cancer, but many are curable if caught early.
Risk factors include family history and Helicobacter pylori infection.
Chronic inflammation of the stomach and a diet high in salty foods also increase the risk.
Smoking doubles the risk of suffering from this disease.
Men have a slightly higher risk than women of developing stomach cancer.
What is stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the stomach tissues.
These cells can spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer is named after its origin, regardless of whether it spreads.
This type of cancer develops slowly over years.
Before it forms, precancerous changes occur in the lining of the stomach.
These initial changes rarely cause symptoms, making them difficult to detect.
Types of stomach cancer
Adenocarcinomas are the most common type of stomach cancer.
They originate in the glandular cells that line the inside of the organ.
Almost all stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas.
There are two main groups of stomach adenocarcinomas:
- Gastric cardia cancer: It develops in the upper part of the stomach, near the esophagus.
- Non-cardiac gastric cancer: It originates in other parts of the stomach.
Other less common types include lymphomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), carcinoid tumors, and mesenchymal tumors.
Location of stomach cancer
The stomach is divided into five main parts:
- Cardia: The upper part, closest to the esophagus.
- Fundus: The upper part of the stomach, next to the cardia.
- Body: The main or central part of the stomach.
- Antrum: The lower part, closest to the small intestine.
- Pylorus: The final part of the stomach that controls emptying into the small intestine.
The location of the cancer affects treatment options and prognosis.
Cancers in different areas can cause different symptoms.
They also tend to have different results.
Stomach cancer symptoms
Early stomach cancer usually doesn’t show clear symptoms.
This makes it difficult to detect it early.
As it progresses, signs may appear that need medical attention.
Common Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
The most common symptoms include:
- Poor appetite and unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain and persistent stomach upset
- Feeling full after eating small portions
- Nausea and vomiting, which may contain blood
- Abdominal swelling or fluid buildup in the abdomen
These symptoms may be caused by less serious problems.
Stomach infections or ulcers are examples.
If they persist or worsen, it is vital to consult a doctor.
Less common symptoms of stomach cancer
Stomach cancer can have other, less common signs:
- Blood in the stool or dark-colored stools
- Anemia, caused by chronic blood loss
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Persistent heartburn or indigestion
- Fatigue and general weakness
These symptoms may indicate advanced cancer or complications.
It is crucial to seek medical attention if you experience these signs.
Especially if they are persistent or worsen over time.
Importance of early detection
Detecting stomach cancer early is key to better treatment.
However, only 20% of cases are diagnosed at baseline in the U.S.
To increase the chances of early detection, pay attention to changes in your digestion.
Seek medical help if symptoms don’t improve.
People with risk factors should consider regular testing.
Remember, these symptoms can have other causes.
Don’t ignore them and seek medical evaluation.
Early detection and treatment are vital to improve the prognosis.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Stomach Cancer
Early detection of stomach cancer is vital.
Your doctor will perform an endoscopy to examine the stomach lining.
If there are suspicions, a biopsy will be done to analyze the cells.
Imaging tests help assess the extent of the cancer.
These include CT scans and videofluoroscopies of swallowing.
With these results, the appropriate treatment is planned.
Surgery is usually the first step in treatment.
Its goal is to remove all of the cancerous tissue.
Chemotherapy and radiation are used to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Other treatment options are available.
Targeted therapy blocks specific weaknesses in cancer cells.
Immunotherapy helps the immune system fight cancer.
Treatment depends on several factors.
These include the stage of the cancer, its location, and the patient’s overall health.
Personal preferences are also important in the choice.
Advanced stomach cancer is difficult to treat.
However, early diagnosis improves the prognosis.
If you have persistent symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Concerning symptoms include abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss.
Changes in bowel habits are also red flags. See a doctor if you experience these symptoms.
