Introduction:
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a cancer that occurs anywhere within the stomach but in many parts of the world, it most frequently starts within the stomach body [1]. As one of the most common cancers worldwide, gastric cancer can occur in any individual but there are more reports of it in older, male individuals and in certain minority groups including African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander populations when compared to White populations [2].
Causes / Risk Factors:
Gastric cancer arises when mutations occur within the DNA of stomach cells, which results in an overgrowth and formation of a tumor. This uncontrolled growth of cells and tumor formation may metastasize or spread to other parts of the body. There is no one cause for DNA mutation, but there are risk factors which may increase the likelihood of developing gastric cancer. Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori, a family history of stomach cancer and/or other related diseases, older age, and/or a diet high in red and processed meats are known risk factors for gastric cancer [3].
The early symptoms associated with gastric cancer may not always readily lead to the diagnosis. Some initial symptoms, including indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, and feeling bloated after eating are also associated with less serious diagnoses and thus may not be immediately recognized as gastric cancer. Since initial symptoms are not very evident, this is one of the reasons that stomach cancer is often diagnosed in its later stages when its symptoms become more apparent. Some of the later symptoms are blood in the stool, weight loss, and lack of appetite [4].
Progression:
The stages of stomach cancer range from Stage 0 to Stage IV. At Stage 0, the cancer has not reached deep parts of the stomach. At Stage I, the cancer spreads into the inner layers of the stomach wall or the stomach’s outer muscle layers, possibly spreading to some lymph nodes. Stage II is when the cancer has spread to the stomach wall’s deeper layers and some lymph nodes. At Stage III, the cancer has not yet reached other organs but has grown and spread to other layers of the stomach and connective tissue surrounding the stomach, as well as lymph nodes. Stage IV is the last and final stage of gastric cancer, where the tumor now spreads to other parts of the body [5]. Essentially, Stage 0 is the least serious and most curable stage, while Stage IV is generally the most serious and the least curable.
Treatment Options:
Several treatment options exist for stomach cancer. One option is to perform a gastrectomy, which is the removal of the whole stomach or part of the stomach. Surgery may cure the cancer assuming all cancerous cells and tissue are successfully removed. Though some cases of gastric cancer may not be curable, it is still possible to improve the patient’s quality of life with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery [4]. Other therapies such as immunotherapy are also viable options for treatment.
References:
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, June 19). Stomach cancer. Mayo Clinic.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stomach-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352438
Causes of stomach cancer. Causes of Stomach Cancer - NCI. (n.d.).https://www.cancer.gov/types/stomach/causes-risk-factors
Visitors, P. &. (2024, January 10). Gastric (stomach) cancer: Cancer. Gastric (Stomach) Cancer | Cancer.https://health.ucdavis.edu/conditions/cancer/digestive-system-cancer/gastric-cancer
Stomach cancer | NHS INFORM. (n.d.).https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-adults/stomach-cancer/
Gastric (stomach) cancer symptoms & stages: UPMC. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. (n.d.).https://hillman.upmc.com/cancer-care/colorectal-gi/types/gastrointestinal
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical diagnosis and treatment.
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