Stomach Cancer Questions & Answers: Do your symptoms point to stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, develops in the stomach. Despite a significant decrease in incidence over the last two decades, stomach cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide. The most common type is adenocarcinoma, which develops from the inner lining of the stomach. Other types begin in the middle or outer parts of the stomach, but they are uncommon.

According to global statistics, stomach cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In India, the prevalence of stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is lower than in most developed countries. However, there are high incidences in the country's southern and north-eastern regions. In India, it is the fifth most common cancer among men and the seventh most common cancer among women.

Because stomach cancer is quite aggressive and patients are frequently bothered by late detection, it is critical to understand and closely monitor for symptoms of the disease.

Gastric cancer can be caused by a variety of genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors.

What are the first stomach cancer signs and symptoms?

Symptoms of stomach cancer are uncommon in the early stages. The symptoms of the stomach cancer are the same as that of hyperacidity. Weight loss and stomach pain, usually do not appear until the cancer has progressed.

Among the symptoms of stomach cancer are:

• Indigestion and heartburn.
• Anemia
• Black coloured stools.
• Appetite loss.
• Vomiting and nausea.
• Having difficulty swallowing.
• After-meal bloating or gassiness.
• Stomach pain, usually above the belly button.
• Even after a small meal or snack, you will feel full.

Many of these symptoms are also seen in other conditions. Consult your doctor to see if your symptoms are indicative of stomach cancer or another disease.

Having one or two symptoms does not mean you have stomach cancer. Even if you have the majority of them, it does not mean you have cancer. However, if you are bothered by problems from time to time, you should see a gastroenterologist.

A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specialises in treating diseases of the entire human gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach. The GI cancer surgeon will be able to perform complicated stomach cancer surgeries and provide tertiary care to help patients enjoy a better quality of life because of their experience in stomach cancer treatment.

How does a GI cancer surgeon diagnose stomach cancer?

When you visit a stomach cancer doctor, they will ask about your medical history (personal and family cancer history) and perform a thorough medical examination. A few tests will be required to diagnose stomach cancer and rule out other problems.

• A blood test is required to determine whether or not your body is affected by cancer.
• The doctor will use an upper GI endoscopy to look for signs of stomach cancer.
• They may advise a biopsy to remove a tissue sample and test it for cancer cells in a laboratory.
• CT scans and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans may become necessary.
• Diagnostic laparoscopic surgery is required in cases of advanced stomach cancer where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Once the tests confirm stomach cancer, the GI cancer surgeon will determine the best course of treatment based on the patient's condition and the extent of the cancer's spread. In the early stages of the disease, stomach cancer is treatable. A gastrectomy (subtotal or total) may be performed by the doctor to remove part of the stomach affected by cancer. The cancerous cells may have spread to lymph nodes in the stomach region. In such cases, a lymphadenectomy is required to treat the disease.

What is the most effective way to fight stomach cancer?

Routine medical check-ups with your surgical gastroenterologist are the most effective way to fight cancer. Regular health check-ups are especially important if you have a family history of stomach cancer or a genetic predisposition to it.

There is no need to panic or be afraid of the disease. Not every gastrointestinal symptom indicates the presence of stomach cancer. However, the earlier the GI cancer surgeon detects cancer, the better the clinical outcomes. So, make an appointment with your preferred gastroenterologist right away.

For the best stomach cancer treatment, consult Dr. Neeraj Goel, a top-rated Cancer Surgeon in Delhi. To improve your quality of life, seek treatment for stomach problems.