Stomach cancer is a malignant tumor that affects the stomach. While the Western world has seen a decline in the prevalence of stomach cancer, it remains a significant concern in many developing countries. Stomach cancer is classified into two types: one affecting the upper part of the stomach and the other affecting the lower part. The incidence of the first type, affecting the upper part, is higher compared to the second type. In developing countries, stomach cancer ranks third in terms of cancer prevalence.
Stomach cancer is usually categorized based on its progression. In the early stages, the cancer is confined to the inner lining of the stomach (the mucosa), and surgical treatment at this stage is often highly effective with excellent results. However, if the cancer has spread beyond the mucosal lining to the muscle layer or surrounding lymph nodes, the chances of a cure are significantly reduced. Stomach cancer located in the upper part of the stomach generally has lower survival rates compared to the lower part.
Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer in its early stages often causes no symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Symptoms of stomach cancer may include:
Discomfort and uneasiness.
Pain in the upper abdomen.
Bloating or vomiting after eating.
Loss of appetite.
Weight loss.
Weakness due to anemia.
Black-colored stools.
Presence of blood in vomit.
Gastric ulcers may occasionally cause symptoms similar to those of stomach cancer.
Causes and Risk Factors of Stomach Cancer
The most significant cause of stomach cancer is infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which increases the risk of developing the disease. Below are the primary causes and risk factors associated with stomach cancer:
1. Infection with Helicobacter pylori Bacteria:
One of the key factors increasing the risk of stomach cancer is the presence of Helicobacter pylori, which causes inflammation of the stomach lining. Around one-third of stomach cancer cases are linked to infection with this bacterium. However, most people who carry this bacteria do not develop stomach cancer.
2. Dietary Factors:
Consuming smoked, dried, salted foods, or foods containing spices increases the levels of nitrates in the stomach. These substances undergo chemical changes inside the stomach that can transform them into carcinogenic compounds.
Conversely, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and foods that are properly stored and refrigerated can help reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
3. Other Factors:
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are additional risk factors for developing stomach cancer, especially in the upper part of the stomach. Stomach cancer risk also increases in individuals who have undergone stomach surgery, with this risk becoming significant at least 20 years after the procedure.
Statistics show that the risk of stomach cancer doubles to quadruples for individuals with a family history of the disease. It is more common in men than in women, and it typically manifests in individuals between the ages of 70 and 75.
Complications of Stomach Cancer
If stomach cancer progresses to advanced stages, it can lead to several complications, such as:
Gastrointestinal bleeding.
Stomach perforation.
Small intestine obstruction.
Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer
There are several methods for diagnosing stomach cancer, including:
1. Gastroscopy:
Stomach cancer is most commonly diagnosed through gastroscopy, a procedure that allows visualization of gastric ulcers, tumors, or thickened areas of the stomach lining. A biopsy may be taken during the procedure for microscopic examination.
2. Barium X-ray:
Although this method is less commonly used today for diagnosing stomach cancer, it involves taking X-rays after the patient swallows a barium solution, which helps highlight abnormalities in the stomach.
3. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan:
CT scans can help determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the stomach wall or if the inner stomach wall has become thickened. This method is typically used to complement the diagnostic process.
4. Endoscopic Ultrasound:
This procedure allows for assessing how far the cancer has infiltrated the stomach wall and whether the lymph nodes are involved.
Treatment of Stomach Cancer
The treatment of stomach cancer depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed. Surgery to remove the tumor is the only method that can potentially provide a complete cure for stomach cancer. During surgery, part of the stomach or the entire stomach may be removed, depending on the extent of the tumor's spread. In some cases, especially when the tumor has spread to the stomach wall, a combination of radiation and chemotherapy is often used.
For advanced stages of stomach cancer, treatment usually focuses on providing supportive care, maintaining proper nutrition, and administering pain relief medications. In certain cases, patients may require feeding through a surgically created opening in the abdominal wall that connects directly to the stomach (gastronomy), or through a similar opening into the intestine (jejunostomy).
Individuals with a family history of stomach cancer are advised to undergo screening for Helicobacter pylori and seek treatment as needed.
Prevention of Stomach Cancer
Preventive measures include:
Reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco products.
Steering clear of smoked, pickled, salted meats, and fish.
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, along with plenty of whole grains such as whole wheat bread, grains, pasta, and rice.
Maintaining a healthy weight.