Stomach cancer

Understanding Stomach Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Understanding Stomach Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Stomach cancer: main characteristics

Stomach cancer, or gastric carcinoma, is a malignant tumor that arises from the cells of the gastric mucosa. The prevalence of stomach cancer varies depending on the geographical region, the age of patients, and other factors. Several types of stomach cancer have been identified to date, each of which has its own characteristics in terms of epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment.

Etiology of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is a multifactorial disease, the occurrence of which is mediated by the interaction of various factors. One of the main risk factors is the Helicobacter pylori infection, which causes chronic gastritis and other changes in the gastric mucosa that facilitate the development of cancer. In addition, the consumption of salty, fried, and smoked foods, certain genetic aspects, smoking, alcohol, and hereditary predisposition are also considered risk factors for the development of stomach cancer.

  • Helicobacter pylori infection: infection with this bacterium can cause chronic gastritis and changes in the gastric mucosa, contributing to the development of cancer.
  • Diet: consumption of salty, fried, and smoked foods can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.
  • Genetic predisposition: certain genetic factors may increase the likelihood of developing stomach cancer.
  • Smoking: smoking is considered one of the main risk factors for stomach cancer.
  • Alcohol consumption: excessive alcohol consumption can also increase the likelihood of developing stomach cancer.

Clinical manifestations of stomach cancer

The clinical picture of stomach cancer depends on the stage of the disease and its location in the stomach. The main symptoms of stomach cancer can include discomfort and pain in the epigastric area, loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, as well as iron deficiency manifesting as anemia. Other signs may include vomiting with traces of blood, decreased hemoglobin levels, changes in blood tests, and the bleeding itself may lead to the appearance of melena or vomiting with coffee grounds.

  • Dyspeptic symptoms: include a feeling of fullness in the stomach, belching, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting after eating.
  • Appearance of blood in stool: if the stomach tumor causes bleeding, blood may be found in the stool.
  • General signs of intoxication: include weakness, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, and possible fever.
  • Development of anemia: due to constant bleeding, the development of anemia is possible, leading to paleness, weakness, and increased fatigue.
  • Pain in the epigastric region: the pain can be diffuse, dull, or sharp, usually occurs after eating, and is associated with tumor growth.

Expert opinion on the treatment of gastric cancer

Experts in the field of oncology agree that the treatment of stomach cancer should be comprehensive and multifaceted, based on the stage of the disease, individual characteristics of the patient, and other factors. Treatment methods often include surgical intervention, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or combinations of these, depending on the extent of the tumor and the possibility of removal.

Experts also emphasize the importance of a positive approach and psychological support during stomach cancer treatment. Many believe that a rational combination of traditional medicine methods with alternative methods, as well as support from loved ones and specialists in psychology, can improve the quality of life of the patient and influence treatment outcomes.

Methods of diagnosing stomach cancer

Diagnosis of stomach cancer involves a comprehensive examination of the patient to identify the tumor, assess its location, size, extent of spread, and nature. Key diagnostic methods for stomach cancer may include endoscopic examination with biopsy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and radiological methods such as X-ray and barium studies.

Additionally, blood tests can be used to identify specific tumor markers, which also aid in the diagnosis of stomach cancer. After the diagnosis is established and the stage of the disease is determined, doctors select the optimal treatment method based on the results of all the conducted diagnostic procedures.

  • Endoscopic examination with biopsy: a method that allows for direct visualization of the inner surface of the stomach and the collection of tissue samples for subsequent analysis.
  • Computed tomography (CT): a method that uses X-rays to create detailed 3D images of internal organs and detect changes related to stomach cancer.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): a diagnostic method that creates detailed images of internal organs using magnetic fields and radio waves; often used to assess tumor structures.
  • Laboratory blood test for tumor markers: enables the identification of specific biomarkers indicating the presence of cancer in the body.
  • Barium X-ray examination: a method that visualizes the contours of the stomach using barium, helping to identify possible tumors or ulcers.

Methods of treating stomach cancer

Treatment of stomach cancer may involve various methods, depending on the stage of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient. The main methods of treating stomach cancer are surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Surgical removal of the tumor and part of the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor can be effective in stomach cancer, especially at early stages of the disease. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used either alone or in combination with surgery to treat advanced forms of stomach cancer or after surgery to prevent recurrence of the disease. A combined approach to treatment allows for increased efficacy of therapy and improves prognosis for the patient.

  • Surgical treatment: Surgical intervention may include the removal of the tumor and part of the healthy stomach tissue, as well as lymph nodes to treat stomach cancer.
  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be administered before or after surgery to destroy cancer cells and prevent their spread.
  • Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may be used to destroy cancer cells in the stomach or after surgery to reduce the risk of disease recurrence.
  • Immunotherapy: One of the modern methods of cancer treatment is immunotherapy, which stimulates the immune system to fight cancer cells.
  • Targeted therapy: Therapy aimed at specific molecular targets of cancer cells may be used in the treatment of certain forms of stomach cancer.

Measures for the prevention of stomach cancer

Prevention of stomach cancer includes a number of recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of developing the disease. One of the key points is proper nutrition, which involves moderate consumption of salt, fried, smoked, and fatty foods. Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, rich in antioxidants, is also considered beneficial for the prevention of stomach cancer. In addition, avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as regular medical check-ups for early detection of precancerous changes, can significantly reduce the risk of the disease.

  • Healthy eating: Limiting the consumption of salty, fried, and fatty foods, as well as increasing the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, helps reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer.
  • Avoiding harmful habits: Quitting smoking and alcohol consumption also plays a significant role in the prevention of stomach cancer.
  • Regular medical check-ups: It is important to undergo periodic examinations for the early detection of changes in the stomach that may herald cancer.
  • Combatting Helicobacter pylori infection: Treating Helicobacter pylori infection, known as a risk factor for developing stomach cancer, can aid in the prevention of this disease.
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Physical activity, maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, managing stress, and maintaining an optimal weight contribute to the overall strengthening of the body and a reduced risk of stomach cancer.

Amazing facts about stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is one of the most common oncological diseases, the causes of which can be diverse, ranging from genetic predisposition and Helicobacter pylori infection to harmful habits and poor nutrition. Interestingly, the symptoms of stomach cancer in the early stages are often subtle or even absent, making timely diagnosis and the onset of treatment difficult. Therefore, the importance of prevention and regular medical check-ups cannot be underestimated, as they can help detect the disease in its early stages, when the chances of complete recovery are higher.

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