Stomach Cancer: An Overview
Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that arises in the stomach tissue. It is among the most common types of cancer worldwide. Stomach cancer typically does not present symptoms in the early stages and is often detected only in more advanced stages. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for stomach cancer.
What Are the Factors That Cause Stomach Cancer?
Factors that contribute to the development of stomach cancer include:
- H. pylori Infection: The bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can cause inflammation in the stomach and increase the risk of stomach cancer. H. pylori infection is one of the most common causes of stomach cancer globally.
- Chronic Stomach Inflammation: Long-term inflammation of the stomach can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Conditions such as chronic atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia, stomach ulcers, or Barrett's esophagus can contribute to inflammation and cancer development in the stomach.
- Smoking: Smoking is a significant factor that increases the risk of stomach cancer. Tobacco smoke contains carcinogenic substances and can damage stomach tissue.
- Dietary Habits: Certain dietary habits can influence the risk of stomach cancer. Excessive consumption of salty, smoked, processed, and canned foods can increase the risk. Additionally, a lack of vegetables and fruits, insufficient fiber intake, and high consumption of red meat are also risk factors.
- Genetic Predisposition: Individuals with a family history of stomach cancer may have a higher risk due to genetic predisposition. Some hereditary syndromes can increase the risk of stomach cancer.
- Previous Stomach Surgeries: The risk of stomach cancer may increase in individuals who have previously undergone stomach surgery.
- Age and Gender: Stomach cancer is generally more common in older adults, and it is more prevalent in men than in women.
- Other Factors: Conditions that weaken the immune system (e.g., HIV infection) can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Additionally, chronic alcohol consumption, exposure to certain chemicals, and prolonged exposure to radiation can also heighten the risk.
These factors can affect an individual's risk of developing stomach cancer. However, having risk factors does not guarantee the development of stomach cancer. It's also important to note that some cases of stomach cancer can arise without any known risk factors. The best approach is to make healthy lifestyle choices, attend regular health check-ups, and take precautions to minimize risk factors.
What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?
The symptoms of stomach cancer can vary depending on the stage and spread of the disease. In the early stages, stomach cancer typically does not show symptoms and is often diagnosed incidentally. However, in advanced stages, the following symptoms may emerge:
- Dyspepsia: Also known as stomach discomfort, dyspepsia can be one of the early signs of stomach cancer. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, and a feeling of early fullness.
- Stomach Pain: Stomach cancer can cause pain in the stomach area. This pain is often persistent or chronic and may not respond to other treatments.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Individuals with stomach cancer may experience recurrent nausea and vomiting, usually after meals.
- Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: Loss of appetite and weight loss are common symptoms in individuals with stomach cancer. They may struggle to maintain normal eating habits, leading to noticeable weight loss.
- Difficulty Swallowing: As stomach cancer grows, it may make it difficult for food to pass from the stomach to the intestines, resulting in swallowing difficulties.
- Bleeding: Stomach cancer can sometimes be associated with bleeding, manifesting as bloody stools (black, tar-like stools) or vomiting blood. In such cases, emergency medical intervention may be necessary.
- Weakness and Fatigue: As stomach cancer progresses, anemia may develop, leading to symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and pale skin.
The symptoms mentioned above are potential signs of stomach cancer. However, it is essential to remember that these symptoms can also be related to other health issues. If any of these symptoms persist for an extended period or are concerning, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can provide a better prognosis for stomach cancer.
How Is Stomach Cancer Diagnosed?
A series of tests may be conducted to diagnose stomach cancer. First, the patient's medical history is taken, and a physical examination is performed. Following this, blood tests, endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging tests are conducted. Computed tomography (CT) scans are examples of these tests. These tests can help determine the spread and stage of the cancer.
What Is the Treatment Protocol for Stomach Cancer?
The treatment protocol for stomach cancer varies based on the stage of the disease, the extent of tumor spread, and the patient’s overall health. Generally, a multidisciplinary approach is adopted, and the treatment plan is determined collaboratively by a surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist. The primary treatment options include:
- Surgical Intervention: In early-stage stomach cancer, surgical intervention is preferred to remove the tumor along with surrounding tissues. An operation called gastrectomy may involve the complete or partial removal of the stomach. Additionally, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed. Surgical intervention is typically performed when cancer spread is limited and the patient’s overall health is good.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill or halt the growth of cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery, or as palliative care in advanced-stage stomach cancer. Multiple drugs may be used in combination.
- Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy is a treatment method that targets cancer cells using high-energy beams. In stomach cancer treatment, radiotherapy may be used before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery. It can also be applied palliatively to alleviate symptoms.
- Targeted Therapies: In certain types of stomach cancer, specific drugs that target cancer cell growth may be used. These include tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy. Targeted therapies are generally used in advanced or metastatic stomach cancer.
- Supportive Care: Supportive treatments are also applied to control side effects and improve the patient’s quality of life. These treatments may include nutritional support, pain management, anti-nausea medications, and psychosocial support.
The treatment protocol for stomach cancer is tailored to the individual patient’s condition. A treatment plan is developed considering the patient's overall health, the stage and spread of the cancer, tumor location, and other factors. The goal of treatment is to control the cancer, reduce or eliminate the tumor, alleviate symptoms, and enhance the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, the treatment plan is determined by a multidisciplinary team, and the patient is regularly monitored.
Early diagnosis is crucial in the treatment of stomach cancer. Therefore, individuals with risk factors are advised to undergo regular health check-ups. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle, engaging in regular exercise, following a healthy diet, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking can help reduce cancer risk.
In conclusion, stomach cancer is a type of cancer that arises in the stomach tissue, and early diagnosis is of paramount importance. Being aware of risk factors, monitoring symptoms, and attending regular health check-ups are essential for the early diagnosis and treatment of stomach cancer.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. İlhan KARABIÇAK
General Surgery
