Stomach cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the stomach lining grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour. The most common type is adenocarcinoma, which originates in the mucosal layer of the stomach. Less common types include lymphomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), and neuroendocrine tumours.
Why Does Stomach Cancer Happen?
Stomach cancer can develop due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Key risk factors include:
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori: Chronic infection with this bacterium can cause inflammation and changes in the stomach lining, increasing cancer risk.
- Diet: High intake of salted, smoked, or pickled foods and low consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables may increase the risk.
- Smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor.
- Family history: A genetic predisposition to stomach cancer can increase risk.
- Chronic gastritis: Prolonged inflammation of the stomach lining can lead to precancerous changes.
- Previous stomach surgery: Surgical alterations to the stomach can increase susceptibility to cancer.
- Age and gender: Stomach cancer is more common in older adults and slightly more prevalent in men.
When Does Stomach Cancer Occur?
Stomach cancer typically develops over many years. It often occurs in people aged 50 and older, with symptoms emerging as the disease progresses. Early stages may have no symptoms, but advanced cases can present with:
- Persistent indigestion
- Loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting (sometimes with blood)
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Difficulty swallowing
- Black or tarry stools (a sign of bleeding)
How to Treat Stomach Cancer
Treatment depends on the stage, type, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Options include:
- Surgery:
- Gastrectomy: Removal of part or all of the stomach is often the primary treatment for localised stomach cancer.
- Lymph node removal: Nearby lymph nodes are often removed to check for cancer spread.
- Chemotherapy:
- Used to shrink tumours before surgery or eliminate remaining cancer cells after surgery.
- May also be used for advanced stomach cancer to slow progression and manage symptoms.
- Radiotherapy:
- Often combined with chemotherapy to enhance its effectiveness.
- May be used to shrink tumours or relieve symptoms in advanced cases.
- Targeted therapy:
- Drugs like trastuzumab or ramucirumab target specific proteins or processes in cancer cells.
- Used in certain cases of advanced or metastatic stomach cancer.
- Immunotherapy:
- Medications such as immune checkpoint inhibitors may be used in advanced stomach cancer.
- Palliative care:
- For advanced cases, treatments focus on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.
Monitoring and Prevention
- Regular check-ups: Early detection through endoscopy can improve outcomes, especially in high-risk individuals.
- Lifestyle modifications: Avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and reducing alcohol consumption can lower the risk.
- Treatment of Helicobacter pylori: Eradicating this infection may reduce the likelihood of stomach cancer developing.
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