Stomach Cancer
Stomach Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Methods
What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that develops due to the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of abnormal cells in the stomach tissue. The stomach is a key organ of the digestive system, enabling the digestion of food in an acidic environment. Stomach cancer usually begins in the cells lining the stomach and can spread to surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, and distant organs.
Types of Stomach Cancer:
Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common type, accounting for 90% of stomach cancers. It develops from the cells of the glands lining the stomach.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): A rare type of cancer that originates in the connective tissue of the stomach wall.
Lymphoma and carcinoid tumors are also rare types that can lead to stomach cancer.
Symptoms of Stomach Cancer:
Stomach cancer is usually asymptomatic in the early stages, and therefore, most patients go undiagnosed until the cancer reaches an advanced stage. However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may appear:
Abdominal pain: Discomforting pain may be felt, especially after meals.
Loss of appetite and weight loss: Excessive weight loss and a reluctance to eat may occur.
Nausea and vomiting: Frequent nausea and sometimes vomiting may occur.
Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia): A tumor at the stomach outlet can cause difficulty swallowing.
Bleeding: Blood in vomit or dark blood in stool may be observed. This may indicate bleeding within the stomach.
Rapid satiety: Feeling full quickly after eating may be a symptom of stomach cancer.
Risk Factors:
Helicobacter pylori infection: This bacterium, associated with stomach ulcers and chronic gastritis, plays a significant role in the development of stomach cancer.
Smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are factors that increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Family history: Stomach cancer is more common in individuals with a family history of the disease. Age and Gender: Stomach cancer is generally more common in individuals over 50 and is more common in men than in women.
Low fruit and vegetable consumption: A lack of antioxidant-rich foods can increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Diagnosing Stomach Cancer:
Stomach cancer can be diagnosed through various tests and imaging methods:
Endoscopy: This is a technique used to directly examine the stomach and take a biopsy. A tissue sample can be taken from a suspicious area and examined under a microscope.
Stomach X-ray (Barium fluoroscopy): A barium solution is injected into the stomach, and then X-rays are taken to visualize the stomach.
CT scan (Computed tomography): This is used to assess the spread of cancer.
Ultrasonography and MRI: These are helpful tests to determine how far the cancer has spread throughout the body.
Treatment Methods:
Treatment for stomach cancer may vary depending on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health. The main treatment methods are as follows:
Surgical Intervention: The stomach, or a portion of it, may be removed to remove the cancerous area. In early-stage cancers, complete tumor removal is possible.
Chemotherapy: Drug therapy is administered to shrink cancer cells and prevent their spread. It is used after surgery or in advanced stages of cancer.
Radiation Therapy: Cancer cells are killed using high-energy rays. It can be used especially when the tumor cannot be surgically removed or in combination with chemotherapy.
Targeted Therapy: Specific drugs are used to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This treatment targets molecules specific to cancer cells.
Early Diagnosis and Prevention:
The chance of cure increases if stomach cancer is detected early. To achieve this:
Individuals at risk should undergo regular screening tests.
Helicobacter pylori infection should be treated.
Lifestyle changes such as healthy eating habits, quitting smoking and alcohol, and regular exercise can reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
Conclusion:
Stomach cancer is often diagnosed late because it does not cause symptoms in the early stages. Early diagnosis increases the chance of cure. Healthy lifestyle habits and regular screenings can reduce the risk of stomach cancer. If stomach cancer is suspected, a specialist should be consulted immediately, and treatment should begin with an accurate diagnosis.
