Gastric cancer develops in the cells lining the stomach. Adenocarcinoma, the most common type of gastric cancer, will be discussed in this article. Gastrointestinal stromal tumours, carcinoid tumours, and gastric lymphoma are less common types of stomach cancer.
It is important to note that gastric cancer is much more common in some parts of the world and is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths globally. Eastern Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Central America, and South America are the most common locations.
What Is Gastric Cancer?
Our stomach is a muscular sac in the shape of a J that is part of the digestive system. It is located just below the ribs that receive and holds the food consumed before breaking it down and digesting it.
The wall of the stomach consists of five tissue layers. Serosa, subserosa, muscle, submucosa, and mucosa are the layers. Gastric cancer starts in the mucosa and spreads to the outermost layers.
Cancer cells can spread to many different parts of the stomach. Most cancer cells affect the stomach body, which is the main part of the stomach. In some cases, stomach cancer can affect the gastroesophageal junction, which connects the stomach and the oesophagus.
What Factors Contribute To Gastric Cancer?
According to the stomach cancer specialist in Mumbai, every person will experience different symptoms. Gastric cancer can cause the following symptoms in its early stages:
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- After eating, you feel bloated.
- Appetite loss
As cancer spreads, you may experience severe symptoms such as:
- Dark stools
- Vomiting
- Stomach ache
- Stomach enlargement
- Unknown cause of weight loss
- Eye or skin yellowing
- Having difficulty swallowing
Indigestion or heartburn are not always symptoms of gastric cancer. However, if you have these symptoms on a regular basis, you must have an online oncologist consultation.
What Are The Risk Factors For Gastric Cancer?
It is unknown exactly what causes stomach cancer. The best cancer specialists in Mumbai believe that stomach cancer, like any other cause, begins with changes in the DNA of the cells. The DNA contains instructions for the cells to follow. These DNA changes instruct the cells to grow quickly. The abnormal cells do not die and continue to grow, eventually forming a tumour that invades and destroys healthy cells.
H. pylori bacteria found inside the stomach may also play a role in the development of gastric cancer. This bacterium causes stomach ulcers, which can progress to cancer. Polyps in the stomach, a type of long-term anaemia called pernicious anaemia, and gut inflammation called gastritis can also cause gastric cancer.
What Options Are There For Treating Gastric Cancer?
The following factors contribute to an increased risk of developing gastric cancer:
- Ulcer surgery in the stomach
- Smoking
- Obesity
- A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables
- consuming a lot of salty, spicy, and smoked foods
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Polyps in the stomach
- Gastritis is a chronic stomach inflammation
- Gastric cancer in the family
- Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus
Is Stomach Cancer Curable? What Should Be Done If You Suspect You Have Stomach Cancer?
The following are some of the procedures and examinations used to treat gastric cancer:
- Surgery
- Targeted drug therapy
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Chemo-radiation
- Endoscopic mucosal resection
Is Stomach Cancer Curable? What Should Be Done If You Suspect You Have Stomach Cancer?
If you are experiencing symptoms of stomach cancer, make an appointment with the best doctor for stomach cancer in Mumbai so that they can assess your symptoms and, if necessary, perform diagnostic tests. Dr. Suresh Advani, one of the best cancer specialists in Mumbai, provides an analysis of your symptoms and recommends the most appropriate screening for you. You will have access to the best doctor for stomach cancer in Mumbai to help you navigate the challenges of cancer treatment.