Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the stomach. The stomach is located in the upper center of the abdomen, right below the ribs. The stomach aids in the breakdown and digestion of meals.
Stomach cancer can occur anywhere in the stomach. Approximately 95% of the time, the cancer begins in the lining of your stomach and grows slowly. If left untreated, it can grow into a mass (tumour) and penetrate deeper into your stomach walls. The tumour could spread to adjacent organs such as your liver or pancreas.
How it begins, the causes, symptoms and diet is all we’ll cover in this article.
What is Stomach?
Understanding stomach cancer requires knowledge of the stomach’s normal structure and function.
The stomach is a sac-like organ that plays a vital role in digestion. After chewing and swallowing, food enters the oesophagus, a tube that transports food from the throat and chest to the stomach. The gastroesophageal (GE) junction connects the oesophagus to the stomach right beneath the diaphragm (the thin sheet of breathing muscle under the lungs). The stomach next begins digestion by secreting gastric juice. The food and gastric juice are combined and then discharged into the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine.
Some individuals refer to the belly area as the stomach. The abdomen is the medical word for this area. For example, some persons with discomfort in this area may say they have a “stomach ache.” Because the stomach is only one of numerous organs in the belly, doctors would refer to this condition as “abdominal discomfort.”
Now the question is, what causes stomach cancer and how it develops?
Development of stomach cancer
Stomach cancers usually develop over time. Pre-cancerous changes in the stomach’s inner lining (mucosa) are common before the development of cancer. Because these early changes rarely create symptoms, they go undiscovered.
Cancers that begin in different parts of the stomach can generate a variety of symptoms and have varying results. The location of the cancer might also influence therapy options. Cancers that begin or spread to the GE junction, for example, are often staged and treated the same way as cancers of the oesophagus.
Signs of Stomach Cancer
Symptoms of stomach cancer are rare in the early stages. Even the most common early indicators of stomach cancer, such as unexplained weight loss and stomach pain, don’t usually appear until cancer has progressed.
Among the symptoms of stomach cancer are:
- Appetite loss.
- Having difficulty swallowing.
- Weakness or fatigue
- Vomiting and nausea
- Unknown cause of weight reduction.
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Vomiting blood or black stool (poop).
- After-meal bloating or gassiness
- Stomach ache, usually above the belly button
- Even after a short meal or snack, you feel full.
Many of these symptoms are also seen in other illnesses. Consult your doctor to see if your symptoms are indicative of stomach cancer or another disease.
What causes the development of Stomach cancer?
Certain factors appear to raise the risk of gastric cancer. They are as follows:
1) There is a family history of stomach cancer
2) Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
3) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (GERD)
4) Gastritis
5) Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus
6) A history of stomach ulcers or polyps
7) A high-fat, salty, smoked, or pickled diet
8) A diet that is deficient in fruits and vegetables
9) Tobacco use, whether smoking, vaping, or chewing
10) Excessive alcohol consumption
11) Obesity
12) Atrophic gastritis caused by autoimmunity
Types of Stomach Cancer
There are mainly four types of gastric cancer. They are as follows:
a) Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma stomach cancer begins in mucus-producing cells. This form of stomach cancer is the most common. Adenocarcinoma stomach cancers account for nearly all cancers that begin in the stomach.
b) Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST): GIST begins in specific nerve cells present in the stomach and other digestive organs. GIST is a kind of soft tissue sarcoma.
c) Tumors that are carcinoid: Carcinoid tumours are neuroendocrine malignancies that begin in the cells. Neuroendocrine cells can be found throughout the body. They perform some nerve cell functions as well as some of the activity of cells that produce hormones. Carcinoid tumours are neuroendocrine tumours.
d) Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in immune system cells. Lymphoma can begin in the stomach if the body sends immune system cells there. This could occur if the body is attempting to fight off an illness. Non-lymphoma Hodgkin’s is the most common type of lymphoma that begins in the stomach.
Preventions
Though cancer is a disease that cannot be predicted, you can still take care of the following:
1) Consume an abundance of fruits and vegetables.
2) Reduce your intake of salty and smoked foods.
3) Smoking raises your chances of developing gastric cancer as well as many other types of cancer.
4) People with a strong family history of stomach cancer may be screened for the disease. Screening tests can detect it before symptoms appear.
Conclusion
Stomach cancer is a serious disease that’s often found late. Understanding your stomach’s job in digestion and spotting symptoms early can help. While we’re not sure why it happens, certain things can make it more likely.
Eating healthy, avoiding tobacco and too much alcohol, and talking to your doctor about family history can help prevent it. If you notice any unusual symptoms, see a doctor. Early diagnosis is what matters and can make all the difference.