Stomach Cancer

 

The stomach, a muscular and hollow organ located in the digestive system, plays a vital role in the process of digesting food after the chewing stage. Positioned between the esophagus and the small intestine, the stomach secretes enzymes and acids that aid in food digestion.

Its function begins with the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins, leading to the transformation of ingested food into gastric juice. This digestive fluid contains various enzymes and acids that further assist in digestion upon entering the small intestine.

The chemical and physical properties of chyme, as it is known, are altered to create an ideal environment for continued digestion. The stomach can hold approximately one liter of liquid and food without exerting undue pressure on itself. Unfortunately, disruptions in stomach activity, such as stomach cancer, can occur.

 

What Is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer originates from various cell types, and when it progresses to a malignant stage, it affects the stomach with the growth of cancerous cells on its surface. Typically, cancer starts in the mucosa of the stomach, the inner lining of the stomach wall, and in the glands. This common form of stomach cancer is called adenocarcinoma.

Cancerous cells proliferate and damage surrounding areas, such as the walls of the stomach, liver, and lungs. The malignant tumor, as it separates from the cells, spreads through the bloodstream and lymphatic vessels to other parts of the body.

This proliferation of small groups of cancer cells leads to the formation of secondary tumors in various body regions. In medical terminology, these secondary tumors are referred to as metastases and, in addition to causing damage to adjacent tissues, promote further reproduction.

 

 

Diagnosing Stomach Cancer

Some general symptoms of this type of cancer include the following:

• Nausea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Persistent stomach pain
• Stomach burning sensation
• Black stool
• Jaundice
• Palpable abdominal mass
• Unintentional weight loss

The physician’s diagnostic approach includes a comprehensive analysis of the patient’s medical history and disease history, accompanied by a meticulous examination of risk factors, including obesity, acid reflux, gastritis, and family background.

To reach a definitive diagnosis, the doctor utilizes a wide range of diagnostic tools, including endoscopy, CT scans, radiography, and blood tests. The section below provides explanations regarding the use of these tools.

– Endoscopy

Upper endoscopy is a method that involves inserting a thin tube equipped with a small camera to obtain a sample of the lesion for early detection of cancer. This procedure is performed by introducing the tube through the patient’s mouth and down to the stomach, where a sample of the tumor is collected.

To determine the extent of tumor infiltration into the stomach wall and assess the cancer stage, the physician may recommend endoscopic ultrasonography. The endoscope is inserted through the patient’s mouth and placed in the stomach, allowing the doctor to visualize both the inner wall of the stomach and the opposite wall for tumor involvement.

 

 

– CT Scan

This specific technique employs X-rays to obtain precise images of the body’s internal organs, utilizing computerized tomography (CT) scans to provide further information about the disease’s progression in specific cases where the tumor may be substantial.

– Blood Tests

Blood tests have the capability to detect various types of cancer, such as stomach cancer in its early stages, which may not have any clinical manifestations. This diagnostic tool relies on identifying substances secreted into the bloodstream by cancer cells. Regularly prescribing this test can aid in the timely identification of the disease.

Typically, blood tests are conducted after endoscopy. Deviation from a predetermined level of a specific substance in the blood can indicate an underlying condition. Moreover, a blood cell count can also reveal diseases and abnormalities.

– Radiography

Before undergoing stomach radiography, it is essential for the patient to consume a milk-like solution called barium sulfate. To enhance the image’s clarity, gas is also administered along with the aforementioned substance.

Following the completion of this preparation, an X-ray imaging technique is performed, lasting approximately 90 minutes. It is important to note that individuals undergoing this procedure should refrain from consuming food and smoking prior to it.

 Causes of Stomach Cancer

Unfortunately, aside from certain physical conditions beyond human control, significant factors in this matter include:

• anxiety and an improper diet.

Additional factors include:

• gastric reflux disease
• obstruction
• inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables
• chronic inflammation and stomach swelling
• malignant polyps
• excessive tobacco use, and smoking
• infection with Helicobacter pylori
• severe anemia (a type of anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency)

and other causes as mentioned by the source.

 

Preventive Methods for Stomach Cancer

Preventing stomach cancer involves a set of strategies that reduce the risk of developing this cancer. Strategies such as:

• Avoiding smoked, salty, and pickled foods.
• Maintaining a healthy weight and reducing fat consumption.
• A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and the use of dietary supplements.

 

 

• Reducing the consumption of red meat, especially processed meat.
• Seeking treatment for stomach conditions, including stomach ulcers and reflux.
• Avoiding stress-inducing factors and conditions.

 

 Treatment Methods

Treatment options for stomach cancer depend on the location, stage, and spread of the cancer. Additionally, our physician considers the patient’s overall health and priorities when devising a treatment plan.

 Surgical Procedures for Stomach Cancer

The objective of surgery is to remove the entire cancerous mass along with some healthy tissues surrounding it. Surgical procedures used in the treatment of stomach cancer include:

 

1. Removal of early-stage tumors from the inner lining of the stomach

Very small cancers confined to the inner lining of the stomach may be removed using specialized tools passed through an endoscope. Methods for removing cancer from the inner lining of the stomach include the removal of mucosa or submucosal layers using an endoscope.

 

2. Partial stomach removal (Subtotal Gastrectomy)

During a subtotal gastrectomy, the surgeon removes the cancer-affected part of the stomach along with some healthy tissues around it. This method may be used if stomach cancer is located in a part of the stomach close to the small intestine.

 

3. Total stomach removal (Total Gastrectomy)

Total gastrectomy involves the complete removal of the stomach along with some surrounding tissues. In this procedure, the esophagus is directly connected to the small intestine, allowing food to move through the digestive system.

Total gastrectomy is often used in cases of stomach cancer that affect the body of the stomach and those located at the junction of the stomach and the duodenum.

 

4. Removal of lymph nodes for cancer investigation

Surgeons may remove lymph nodes from the abdomen to test them for the presence of cancer.

 

5. Surgery for symptom relief

Surgery to remove a portion of the stomach can provide relief from symptoms and signs of rapidly growing cancer in advanced cases of stomach cancer.

 

 

Chemotherapy in Stomach Cancer

Chemotherapy is a type of medical treatment that involves using chemicals to target and eliminate cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered orally, intravenously, or through intramuscular injections, allowing the therapeutic agents to circulate through the bloodstream and reach cancer cells throughout the body, known as systemic chemotherapy.

In contrast, regional chemotherapy is when drugs are placed directly into a specific area, such as cerebrospinal fluid, an organ, or a body cavity like the abdomen, to target cancer cells in those areas.

The approach to chemotherapy depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. Chemotherapy drugs have the ability to spread throughout the body and eliminate cancer cells that may have migrated from the stomach.

Chemotherapy can be used before surgery to shrink the tumor, make it more manageable, and after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with radiation therapy.

 

Radiation Therapy in Stomach Cancer

Radiation therapy is a medical technique that uses high-energy rays, such as X-rays and protons, to target and eliminate cancer cells. This method involves emitting high-energy rays from a machine that rotates around the patient while the patient lies on a treatment table.

Before surgical intervention, radiation therapy can be used to reduce the size of the cancerous mass in cases of stomach cancer, making its removal easier.

Furthermore, radiation therapy may be performed after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. It is common for radiation therapy to be used in combination with chemotherapy. In advanced cases of stomach cancer that cannot be resolved through surgery, radiation therapy may be employed to alleviate symptoms such as pain or bleeding that may occur due to the cancer’s progression.

 Chemoradiation

Chemoradiation is an integrated treatment approach that combines chemotherapy and radiation therapy to enhance treatment effectiveness. This method is used post-surgery to reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence and serves as an adjunctive treatment.

A new application of chemoradiation is its prescription before surgery to reduce the size of tumors, which is currently under investigation.

 

Targeted Therapy in Stomach Cancer

Targeted therapy is a treatment approach that involves the use of drugs or other substances to isolate and eliminate specific cancer cells by exploiting their specific vulnerabilities. In comparison to chemotherapy or radiation therapy, targeted therapies are usually less damaging to healthy cells.

Targeted therapies are highly focused and are often used in combination with chemotherapy for advanced cancers or cancers that have recurred. It is possible for our physicians to conduct tests on cancer cells to determine the most effective targeted therapies for our treatment.

 

 

 Immunotherapy in Stomach Cancer

Immunotherapy is a drug-based treatment approach aimed at enhancing the body’s immune system’s capacity to fight cancer. Despite the immune system’s role in warding off diseases, it may not be effective in battling cancer because cancer cells produce proteins that hinder the immune system’s ability to identify and target them.

Immunotherapy disrupts this mechanism, thereby boosting the body’s immune system’s ability to combat cancer. In cases where stomach cancer has advanced, recurred, or metastasized, immunotherapy may be considered as a treatment option.

 

Take Control of Your Digestive Health with Dr. Maadico! Schedule Your Free Consultation Today.

 Get a Free Consultation

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cost of stomach cancer treatment?

The main and most crucial factor in determining the cost of stomach cancer treatment is the number of sessions a patient needs to undergo for complete recovery and cancer elimination. Stomach cancer has various stages, ranging from early to advanced, and individuals become aware of this condition at different stages.

Some patients, due to the absence of initial symptoms, discover the presence of stomach cancer at an advanced stage, while others detect it at an early stage through a simple test.

It is worth mentioning that whether the treatment center is government-funded or private plays a significant role in the cost of stomach cancer treatment. Additionally, having supplementary medical insurance can greatly assist in the treatment process.

 

2. What does post-stomach cancer surgery care entail?

• After undergoing stomach cancer surgery, many aspects of your life will change. You may develop sensitivities to sugar, dairy products, and many other food items.
• Moreover, due to being unaccustomed to new conditions, your body may encounter issues such as dumping syndrome or false satiety.

In such a situation, the only possible approach is to change your lifestyle and have a dietary plan that allows you to simultaneously provide the necessary energy and nutrients to your body while preventing harm to your digestive system.

 

• One of the most important considerations after surgery is a suitable dietary regimen. Since you cannot consume large amounts of food, you must include foods in your diet that can meet your needs.
• Make your meals smaller and more frequent. Instead of having the usual three meals a day and consuming a large volume of food in a short period, try to have smaller meals with a higher frequency. This helps your stomach absorb the necessary salts and nutrients without becoming weak.
• It is essential to consume fluids to the extent possible. Drinking 8 to 10 cups of water a day should always be part of your daily routine. Be mindful that consuming this amount of water should not coincide with meal times, as it may disrupt the digestive system. Additionally, ensure that you have reduced your consumption of carbonated beverages as much as possible.

 

• Reduce your intake of sugars and sweets as much as possible, and for guidance on the amount of sugar to use, be sure to consult with your physician.

 

• Focus your dietary regimen on consuming foods that are low in volume but high in calories. This prevents false satiety and provides the necessary energy for your body.

 

 

 

• Avoid excessive fiber consumption! Fibers are known for inducing satiety and filling the stomach. Excessive fiber intake may lead to false satiety and discomfort.

 

• Another problem many individuals face after surgery is significant weight loss. You should be aware that gastrectomy surgery can lead to sensitivities such as lactose intolerance (sugar present in dairy products) or even to sugars and regular sweets.
• It’s worth mentioning that gaining or maintaining weight is not an easy task and must be approached with care and patience. Another issue regarding sudden weight loss is the breakdown of body muscles. Therefore, to gain weight, you should not only choose a nutritious diet for yourself but also have a suitable exercise plan. Adhering to the following tips can help you in your weight gain journey:

 

 

• It is essential to use substances like peanut butter, as they do not pose any problems in the digestive system and have a very high caloric value.
• It is also better to use soups and smoothies. Soups and smoothies can provide the necessary nutrients to the body without causing any digestive system issues.

 

• Keep in mind that, in addition to fat, your body also needs protein and nutrients to gain and maintain weight, as muscles are an essential part of our total weight.

 

• If you have no issues with lactose consumption, try replacing water with milk in your cooking instructions.

 

3. Does heredity play a role in stomach cancer?

A small percentage of stomach cancers are hereditary, but if there is a family history of stomach cancer, it’s essential to pay attention to risk factors as they may elevate the risk of hereditary stomach cancer. Genetic counseling and genetic testing to identify mutated genes associated with stomach cancer can help in preventing this disease.

 

4. To what extent does nutrition contribute to the occurrence of stomach cancer?

Considering the following factors, it can be said that nutrition plays a significant role in the occurrence of stomach cancer:

1. Avoiding smoked, pickled, and salty foods.
2. Maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the consumption of fatty substances.
3. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and the use of dietary supplements.
4. Reducing the consumption of red meat, especially processed meat.