Stomach Cancer: How common it is?

Stomach cancer is one of today's most deadly diseases and is the fourth most common cancer worldwide. Nowadays, the prevalence of chronic gastritis has become another major issue that people are concerned about. As people who have chronic gastritis are more likely to develop stomach cancer in the future.

What is stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, frequently begins when the cells that were once healthy begin to grow out of control in the mucosa of the stomach lining. A tumor is a collection of cancerous cells that spreads into other layers of the stomach over time. Because this type of cancer grows slowly, it can take years to develop.

Is stomach cancer different in men and women?

Stomach cancer affects one in every 95 men and one in every 154 women, but several other factors may influence a person's risk. Adults over the age of 55 should be on the lookout for signs of stomach cancer. However, it primarily affects people in their 60s and 70s. The symptoms of stomach cancer in men are typically the same as those in women. It is considered potentially dangerous because many of its symptoms resemble other common stomach problems, or even the absence of any symptoms in some cases.

What are the early symptoms of stomach cancer?

If you have any or a combination of these below listed early signs of stomach cancer, you should see your doctor or a gastroenterologist:

• A sensation of nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn that occurs frequently
• Weight loss that was unintentional
• Anemia (low hemoglobin levels)
• Abdominal swelling
• Appetite loss
• Jaundice
• Bloating that persists
• Black stools
• Indigestion
• Exhaustion to the extreme
• Abdominal pain or discomfort, which can be severe after eating
• Upper abdomen fullness after having a small amount of food

Is it possible for stomach cancer to go undetected?

Yes, stomach cancer can go undetected for years because there are no early warning signs. While early signs of stomach cancer are frequently unclear, recognizing them increases the likelihood of detecting the disease sooner.

How can stomach cancer be detected early?

If you suspect something is wrong, contact your doctor right away. Different test are available to diagnose the condition. Stomach cancer diagnostic evaluations include:

• Comprehensive medical history and physical examination.
• CT scan to visualize organs during an X-ray.
• Biopsy of stomach tissue.
• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
• Endoscopic ultrasound to diagnose and treat stomach cancer at the same time.
• PET scan to reveal cancer cells.

How can stomach cancer be treated?

Treatments for stomach cancer vary depending on the type of cancer, where it is located in the body, how advanced it is, and your personalized care plan.

Treatment options include:

• Radiation: The use of high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells, usually via a machine outside the body.
• Chemotherapy: It is the use of one or more drugs to kill cancer cells by preventing their growth.
• GI surgery: this is usually a minimally invasive procedure done to remove the tumor as well as some surrounding healthy tissue.
• Targeted therapy: This therapy prevents cancer cell growth and spread while causing minimal harm to healthy cells as it focuses on the proteins, genes, or tissues that promote cancerous cell growth and survival.

Conclusion

Stomach cancer is an aggressive cancer, and successful treatment is dependent on an early diagnosis. As a result, the sooner you are diagnosed, the better your chances of recovery.
Consult Dr. Neeraj Goel, the finest GI surgeon in Delhi, if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms.