What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer is a disease that occurs when the cells lining the inner surface of the stomach, one of the digestive organs, grow and multiply abnormally. It ranks fourth in terms of incidence among all types of cancer.
Types of Stomach Cancer
The most common form is adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma develops in the mucosal cells (mucosa) of the stomach lining. It is the most prevalent type and is further classified into different forms, including gastric cardia cancer, non-cardia gastric cancer, and intestinal-type gastric cancer, among others.
Although adenocarcinoma accounts for about 90% of cases, other types also exist:
- Gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma
- Neuroendocrine tumors
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
In the early stages of the disease, symptoms are often mild or may not be noticeable.
Early-stage symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
- Feeling of fullness after eating small portions
- Pain in the upper left part of the abdomen
As the disease progresses, the symptoms may change and the following signs can appear:
- Abdominal pain or burning sensation
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal swelling and fluid accumulation
- Fatigue and weakness
- Frequent vomiting
- Blood in the stool (dark brown or black-colored stool)
- Yellowing of the skin and visible mucous membranes, which may indicate spread of the disease to the liver
Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer
When diagnosing stomach cancer, clinical symptoms are also taken into consideration along with a series of laboratory and instrumental examinations.
- Blood tests: To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may request certain blood tests. For example, tumor marker tests that may support the presence of cancer. CA 19-9 may be used for the stomach, and CEA tumor markers may be requested to assess the overall condition.
- Endoscopy: This is the main method for confirming the diagnosis. During the procedure, a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the stomach. If a suspicious area is detected, a small tissue sample (biopsy) can be taken from the inner lining of the stomach.
- CT scan (Computed Tomography): Provides detailed imaging of the stomach and surrounding organs.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Gives detailed information about the condition of soft tissues.
- PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Helps determine the extent of cancer spread in the body.
Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Stomach Cancer
Several factors can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer:
- Unhealthy dietary habits: Consumption of processed and packaged foods, excessive salt and spices, and frequent intake of carbonated drinks should be limited. Instead, healthy fats, fresh fruits, and vegetables should be included in the diet.
- Lifestyle factors: The risk is higher in individuals with low physical activity and those who smoke, use tobacco, or consume alcohol excessively. Excess body weight is also a contributing factor. Therefore, it is important to maintain an active lifestyle, keep body weight under control, and limit or avoid smoking, tobacco, and alcohol use.
- Age: The risk increases with age, especially after 60.
- Helicobacter pylori infection: A bacterial infection that can cause inflammation and ulcers in the stomach.
- Chronic gastritis: A long-term condition involving inflammation of the stomach lining.
- Family history: Having family members with stomach cancer increases the risk.
- Previous stomach surgeries: Partial removal of the stomach (partial gastrectomy) may increase the risk.
Treatment of stomach cancer is carried out by a multidisciplinary team, including gastroenterologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals.
Remember, in the fight against stomach cancer, early diagnosis and timely, appropriate treatment can make it possible to control the disease.