Stomach cancer (Gastric Cancer) happens when abnormal cells grow in the stomach. This abnormal growth can occur anywhere in the stomach. Stomach cancer is a major cause of death in some parts of the world.
Stomach cancer is linked to many diseases and conditions, plus some environmental triggers and lifestyle factors. Treatment options may include surgery to remove tumors or part or all of the stomach, along with other choices.
In this article, we’ll cover stomach cancer symptoms, types, how it’s diagnosed, and treatment options.
Stomach cancer symptoms
Stomach cancer symptoms can be like many other conditions. So you should watch if these symptoms happen repeatedly, not just once. Sometimes symptoms appear only after heavy meals and could be a simple stomach issue, not necessarily cancer. That's why you should talk to your healthcare provider about symptoms for the right diagnosis.
Symptoms and signs of stomach cancer can include:
- Bloating after eating.
- Heartburn.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea.
- Stomach upset.
- Indigestion.
Also, when stomach cancer gets more advanced, it can cause other more severe and worrying symptoms. Other signs linked to tumor growth may include:-
- Stomach pain.
- Dark stool.
- Bloody stool.
- Diarrhea and constipation.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Constant fatigue.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Vomiting.
- Weakness and exhaustion.
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).
Causes of Stomach Cancer
It's not exactly clear what causes stomach cancer, but it is known that some people have risk factors for this type of cancer.
There are some conditions that make a person more likely to get stomach cancer. Also, there are lifestyle and environmental risk factors that might raise the chance of getting it. Still, having these risks doesn't guarantee you'll get stomach cancer.
Some conditions linked to stomach cancer include:
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Bacterial infection of Helicobacter pylori (stomach germ) infection
Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach is common and may affect about half the world's population. It causes stomach ulcers and is treatable with antibiotics. But having the infection doesn't always mean you'll get stomach cancer later, though it is still considered a fairly significant risk factor.
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Common Variable Immune Deficiency
In this condition, the body doesn't produce enough infection-fighting proteins. People with CVID often suffer frequent infections. It is also linked to higher cancer risks, including stomach cancer.
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Family history of stomach cancer
People with a close family member who had stomach cancer might have a higher chance of getting it too.
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Inherited cancers
Some conditions run in families through genes and can raise the risk of stomach cancer. Certain mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, usually linked tobreast cancer, can also rarely increase the chance of stomach cancer.
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MALT lymphoma
This is a type of lymphoma found in the stomach. People with MALT are thought to have a higher risk of stomach adenocarcinoma. This might be linked to infection with H. pylori bacteria, which causes MALT.
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Pernicious anemia
It's a type of anemia caused by a lack of intrinsic factor in the stomach and may be linked to stomach cancer. Intrinsic factor is made by stomach cells, and without enough, the body might not absorb enough vitamin B12vitamin B12 is needed to make new red blood cells along with other benefits.
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Epstein-Barr virus infection
Epstein-Barr virus is common and most people get it as kids or teens. It causes mono and has been found in some stomach cancer cells, but how exactly it links to stomach cancer isn’t clear.
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Ménière's disease
This rare disease is linked to a higher risk of stomach cancer. It's not clear how it develops, but it’s thought to have genetic and environmental triggers.
Lifestyle and environmental factors related to stomach cancer include:
- Exposure to asbestos.
- Blood type A.
- Eating a diet high in smoked, pickled foods or salted meat or fish.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Environmental exposure from working in coal, metal, wood, or rubber industries.
- Having had surgery for a stomach ulcer before.
- Smoking cigarettes.
Types of Stomach Cancer
There are several different types of stomach cancer, including:
1. Adenocarcinoma
This is the most common type of stomach cancer, making up over 90% of stomach cancers. The inner lining of the stomach is called the mucosa. Adenocarcinoma starts in the cells of this mucosa. This cancer type has several subtypes including distal, proximal, and diffuse stomach cancer.
2. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
This stomach cancer starts in the connective tissue or muscles of the stomach. It is a rare type of stomach cancer and can be either benign or malignant.
3. Gastric lymphoma
This is the least common type of stomach cancer. Lymphomas are cancers of the immune system. The stomach walls have cells that are part of the immune system. Gastric lymphoma starts in these cells in the stomach.
4. Carcinoid tumor
There are cells in the stomach that produce certain hormones, and the carcinoid tumor starts in these cells. Most of the time, this type of cancer does not spread outside the stomach.
Diagnosing stomach cancer
Different kinds of tests can be used to diagnose stomach cancer. Once diagnosed, some tests or procedures may be needed to check how advanced the cancer is.
Some tests that can be used to diagnose stomach cancer or find out its stage include:-
- Blood tests, like complete blood count and checking for liver and kidney issues.
- Chest X-rays can be used to see if cancer has spread to the lungs.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
- Endoscopy.
- Upper endoscopy, or esophagus, stomach, and duodenum endoscopy (EGD).
- Upper gastrointestinal series.
Stomach Cancer Treatment Options
Stomach cancer treatment depends on many factors, including overall health and other conditions. The cancer stage, location, and growth speed all affect treatment choices.
Stomach cancer treatment options include:-
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Surgery
One of the main treatments for stomach cancer is surgery. The type of surgery depends on how far the cancer has spread inside or outside the stomach. Surgery will remove the cancer and any nearby tissues if needed.
Surgery options to treat stomach cancer can include:
- Removing the cancer tumor.
- Partial removal of the stomach.
- Total removal of the stomach.
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Other treatments
Besides surgery, there are some other treatment options for stomach cancer including:
- Chemotherapy.
- Radiation therapy.
- Targeted drug therapy.
- Immunotherapy.
- Palliative care.
Getting a cancer diagnosis can bring up strong feelings and affect different relationships, so having some tools to handle the ups and downs of treatment might help.
Learning as much as you can about available treatments and their side effects can help some people cope with the illness. Understanding why doctors recommend certain options and how effective they are can clear up some uncertainty during treatment.
