Stomach Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the stomach. It is the world's fourth most prevalent cancer, accounting for around 723,000 new cases and 583,000 deaths per year.

There are several types of stomach cancer, including:

• Adenocarcinoma: This kind of stomach cancer is the most frequent, accounting for 95% of all occurrences. It starts in the glandular cells that border the stomach's innermost layer and generate mucus and other fluids.
• Lymphoma: This type starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes and can affect any part of the digestive tract, including the stomach. It's rare but more common in older adults than other types of stomach cancer.
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): This is an uncommon kind that affects specialised cells known as interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs).These cells control muscle movement in your digestive system, so it can spread quickly throughout your organs if not caught early enough.
• Carcinoid tumors: These are slow-growing tumors typically found in hormone-producing cells throughout your body, including your lungs and digestive system. They're usually benign, but they can become malignant if left untreated for too long

• Gastric cancer is caused by a number of factors, including:
• Presence of certain bacteria in the stomach.
• Dietary habits such as diets high in processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables
• Gastric cancer is also caused by smoking and hereditary factors.

The following are some of the most typical signs and symptoms of stomach cancer:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss for no apparent cause
• Dysphagia
• Black or bloody stools
• Feeling full after eating just a small quantity of food
• Abdominal swelling or bloating.

• Eat plenty of colourful fruits and veggies.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Avoid smoking and consuming other tobacco products.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
• Get vaccinated against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria if recommended by your doctor.
• Avoid processed meats, such as hot dogs, bacon and deli meats that are high in salt content and preservatives, which may increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Diagnosing stomach cancer usually involves a combination of tests including:

• Blood Tests: Blood tests can help detect substances in the blood that might be signs of stomach cancer such as elevated levels of CEA (cancer antigen) or CA19-9 (tumor marker).
• Imaging Tests: Imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans may aid in the detection of stomach cancer tumours or other regions impacted by stomach cancer.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a test where tissue samples are taken from the stomach to analyze for any abnormal cells that might indicate cancerous cells present in the body.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is used to get an inside look at the stomach and take samples for further testing if needed. This may involve inserting a flexible tube into the mouth and down into the stomach to collect samples for further testing or treatment if necessary.

Stomach cancer can cause a number of serious complications, including:

• Pain: Stomach cancer can cause pain in the abdomen, chest, or back.
• Gastric outlet obstruction: This is a blockage of the pathway between the small intestine and the stomach. It may result in nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
• Perforation: If the cancer spreads to the wall of the stomach it can cause a hole or tear (perforation). This may result in infection as well as other dangerous problems.
• Bleeding: The cancer may bleed, leading to anemia or low blood pressure (hypotension).
• Weight loss: Cancer cells use up energy and nutrients that would otherwise be used for healthy body functions like growth and repair processes; this causes weight loss in people with advanced stages of stomach cancer.
• Metastasis: It is possible for stomach cancer to spread from its initial location to other areas of the body.

• Warm water: The first thing you should do when you get up is to drink some warm water. This helps to purify the digestive system and eliminate toxins, both of which may be contributing factors in the development of the ulcer.
• Herbs: Include herbs such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, fennel, ginger and garlic in your diet. These may help to alleviate the discomfort associated with ulcers and mend the lining of the stomach.
• Fruits: Consume a lot of fruits and vegetables since they are packed with vitamins and minerals that may strengthen your immune system and speed ulcer healing.
• Probiotics: Consume foods rich in probiotics such as yogurt or kefir to promote healthy gut bacteria which can help reduce inflammation associated with stomach ulcers.
• Chamomile tea: Sip on chamomile tea throughout the day as it helps relax muscles of the digestive system which can reduce symptoms associated with an ulcer such as indigestion, nausea, cramping etc..

Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

Include whole grains such as brown rice, barley, quinoa, oats, and wheat germ into your daily meals for added fiber and nutrients.

To prevent dehydration from chemotherapy or radiation treatments, drink lots of fluids.

• Avoid eating processed meats like bacon, sausage, and hot dogs.
• 18 ounces (510 g) of red meat per week is the maximum limit for eating.
• Reduce your consumption of unhealthy fats and oils found in fried meals, margarine, and fast food.
• Avoid salty foods and sauces, including soy sauce and ketchup.
• Avoid smoked and pickled foods that are high in salt and nitrates
• Avoid alcohol

• Resection: A resection is a surgical procedure used to eliminate all or part of the stomach.
• Gastrectomy: This procedure removes the entire stomach and sometimes a portion of the esophagus and small intestine.
• Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR): This procedure involves using a special tool called an endoscope to remove the tumor from inside the stomach without open surgery.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive surgery involves using small incisions to insert specialized tools that allow surgeons to access and remove tumors from inside the abdomen.
• Ablation Therapy: In this procedure, extreme heat or cold is used to destroy cancer cells in order to shrink a tumor without removing it surgically
• Targeted Therapy: This kind of therapy targets specific genes, proteins, or tissue environments that contribute to the growth and maintenance of cancer. It can be used in combination with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or surgery.
• Radiation Therapy: In this treatment, high-energy X-rays are utilised to attack cancer cells and shrink tumours.
• Immunotherapy: This kind of treatment supports the body's immune system in fighting cancer by boosting its defensive capabilities against the disease. Examples include monoclonal antibody therapy and adoptive cell transfer therapy (ACT).
• Hormone Therapy: This type of therapy uses hormones or hormone blockers to stop cancer cells from growing or slow their growth rate by blocking certain hormones from binding to receptors on the tumor cells .
• Chemotherapy: Medications are used in this kind of treatment to eliminate cancer cells. It is commonly given intravenously (via the veins) or as a tablet.

• A gastroenterologist is the most appropriate doctor to consult for stomach cancer.
• A gastroenterologist specialises in the evaluation and treatment of digestive system illnesses, particularly stomach cancer.
• Your health care physician may recommend you to a gastroenterologist or oncologist who specialises in the treatment of stomach cancer.
• Depending on your condition, your doctor may also suggest you to seek the advice and assistance of a nutritionist, dietician, physical therapist, or psychologist throughout your treatment plan.

• Chemotherapeutic agents: These are drugs that kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth and division. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), cisplatin, and capecitabine are examples of common chemotherapeutic drugs used to treat stomach cancer.
• Targeted therapies: These drugs target specific genes or proteins in cancer cells that are involved in the growth and spread of the cancer. Examples of targeted therapies used to treat stomach cancer include trastuzumab, lapatinib, and rilotumumab.
• Monoclonal antibodies: These are proteins that are specifically engineered to bind to proteins on the cancer cell's surface. Cetuximab and panitumumab are two monoclonal antibodies used to help relieve cancer.
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors: By inhibiting proteins that cancer cells employ to evade the immune system, these medications assist to boost the body's immunological response to cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab have been used in the treatment of stomach cancer.
• Proton pump inhibitors: These drugs reduce the production of stomach acid, which can help to alleviate symptoms and improve the effectiveness of other treatments. Proton pump inhibitors used to treat stomach cancer include omeprazole and lansoprazole.
• Antiemetics: These drugs help to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. Examples of antiemetics used to treat stomach cancer include ondansetron and granisetron

• Generally, recovery from treatment for stomach cancer may take weeks or months
• After surgery to remove the tumor, recovery time can range from several days to a few weeks and will depend on how extensive the surgery was.
• Radiation therapy typically lasts 5-7 weeks with recovery time ranging from 1-2 weeks after treatment is complete.
• Chemotherapy treatments may last several months with recovery taking a few days or weeks after each cycle of chemotherapy is completed.

No, treatment for stomach cancer does not always have long-lasting effects.

The effectiveness of these treatments will depend on individual factors such as age, overall health and the stage of the cancer.

Post-surgical treatment guidelines for a stomach ulcer include:

• Taking prescribed medications exactly as suggested by the doctor.
• Consuming nutritious, well-balanced meals that are low in fat and rich in fibre.
• Enough water consumption aids in the body's ability to flush toxins out.
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Reducing stress as much as possible.
• Avoiding certain foods such as spicy or acidic foods, which can irritate the ulcer.
• Exercise on a daily in order to keep the digestive system running smoothly and to assist in healing.

• In India, the expense of treating stomach cancer differs according on the disease's stage and treatment method.
• Generally, the cost of surgery ranges from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5 lakhs, whereas chemotherapy can range from Rs. 20,000 to a few lakhs per cycle, and radiotherapy can range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 2 lakhs per cycle depending on the intensity of radiation used.
• The total cost of treatment also depends upon the duration of hospital stay and any other tests or investigations that may be required during the course of treatment.

• Common symptoms include Diarrhea ,Fatigue and weakness.
• Here, one might also feel discomfort and pain.
• Hair loss and Appetite loss is commonly seen.
• Other symptoms include Weight loss or gain, Swelling in the abdomen , Difficulty swallowing or eating food ,Changes in taste or smell, Nausea and vomiting

If you are suffering from any complications relating to stomach cancer then you should consult a doctor nearby as they can cause complications like ' Gastric outlet obstruction, perforation, pain metastatic ' in which treatment courses can range from a few months to years depending on the severity of the situation.