Stomach (Gastric) Cancer

Stomach (Gastric) Cancer is an article that aims to give you all the information you do not know about stomach (gastric) cancer and more. We kindly shared the main headings with you;

The stomach lining is where stomach cancer, also referred to as gastric cancer, begins to grow. It develops when aberrant alterations occur in stomach cells, which cause unchecked development and tumor formation. Although it has been less prevalent in many parts of the world over the past several decades, stomach cancer is still a rather common type of cancer. While stomach cancer can take many different forms, adenocarcinoma, which originates in the glandular cells lining the stomach, is the most prevalent kind. Less often occurring forms include lymphoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and carcinoid tumors.

The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown. According to experts, the majority of stomach cancers begin with damage to the stomach’s internal lining. Examples include eating a lot of salty meals, having chronic acid reflux, and having a stomach infection. However, not everyone who has these risk factors develops stomach cancer. Therefore, more investigation is required to determine the precise cause.

Factors that increase the risk of stomach cancer include,

• Persistent issues with stomach acid reflux disease, which is the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus
• Consuming a lot of smoked and salty meals
• Consuming little fruits and veggies
• Gastrointestinal infection brought on by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria
• Gastritis which is the term for inflammation and swelling of the stomach’s inside
• Smoking
• Polyps which are the growths of noncancerous cells in the stomach
• Family history of stomach cancer
• Family history of genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, juvenile polyposis syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, and hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, that raise the risk of stomach cancer and other cancers

The type of cell that gave rise to your stomach cancer determines the type of cancer you have. Types of stomach cancer include,

• Adenocarcinoma. Mucus-producing cells are the initial stage of adenocarcinoma, a stomach cancer. The most prevalent kind of stomach cancer is this one. Adenocarcinoma stomach cancers account for almost all malignancies that begin in the stomach.
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Special nerve cells located in the stomach wall and other digestive organs are the source of GIST. One kind of soft tissue sarcoma is called GIST.
• Carcinoid tumors. Cancers that originate in the neuroendocrine cells are called carcinoid tumors. The body has neuroendocrine cells in many different locations. They perform parts of the duties of nerve cells and hormone-producing cells. Neuroendocrine tumors include carcinoid tumors.
• Lymphoma. A cancer that begins in immune system cells is called lymphoma. The immune system of the body combats bacteria. When the body sends immune system cells to the stomach, lymph can occasionally begin there. This could occur if the body is attempting to combat an illness. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas make up the majority of lymphomas that begin in the stomach.

Tests like endoscopies, imaging modalities like PET or CT scans, biopsies, and blood tests are used in the diagnosis of stomach cancer to identify the disease’s existence and stage. Treatments for stomach cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the patient’s condition and the cancer’s stage.

• Blood examinations. Stomach cancer cannot be diagnosed by a blood test. Your doctor may be able to learn more about your health via blood testing. Tests to assess the condition of your liver, for instance, may reveal issues brought on by stomach cancer that has moved to the liver. A different kind of blood test searches the blood for fragments of cancer cells. A circulating tumor DNA test is what this is known as. It’s only applied to patients with stomach cancer under specific circumstances. If you are unable to undergo a biopsy due to advanced cancer, for instance, this test may be used. Blood cell samples can provide your medical team with information that will assist them in planning your course of therapy.
• Abdominal ultrasound. An imaging test called an ultrasound creates images by using sound waves. The images can demonstrate the extent to which stomach cancer has penetrated the stomach wall. A small tube with a camera attached to the tip is inserted into the stomach and down the throat to take the images. Examining lymph nodes close to the stomach may be done with ultrasound. When removing tissue from the lymph nodes with a needle, the images can be used as guidance. In a lab, the tissue is examined to check for cancerous cells. 
• Imaging tests. Imaging tests produce images that your healthcare team can use to search for evidence of metastases from stomach cancer. The images can depict cancer cells in adjacent lymph nodes or other bodily areas. CT and PET (positron emission tomography) are two possible test types.
• Surgery. When imaging scans are unable to provide a good picture of your cancer, surgery may be required to view the body. Metastasized cancer, another name for cancer that has spread, can be detected surgically. Your medical team may use surgery to help certain that no little cancerous fragments are present in the stomach or liver.

The stomach’s inside surface is the only area where the malignancy is minor at stage 0. An internal stomach tumor in stage 1 has spread to the stomach’s inner layers. The malignancy penetrates the stomach wall more deeply in stages two and three. There’s a chance the cancer has migrated to lymph nodes nearby. It’s possible that by stage 4, the stomach cancer has spread to neighboring organs. Cancers at stage 4 include those that have metastasized to other body areas. Metastatic cancer is the term for cancer that spreads. The liver or lymph nodes are frequently affected when stomach cancer spreads to other organs. It may also spread to the peritoneum, the lining that surrounds the abdominal organs.

To create your specialized treatment package based on the stage you are in, use the cost calculator below. It will take just a few minutes.

 

One of the factors that medical professionals consider when developing a treatment strategy is the location of the cancer’s onset in the stomach. The type of cells involved and the stage of the cancer are possible additional considerations. Surgery to remove the stomach cancer is frequently part of the treatment. Both before and after surgery, other therapies might be applied. 

Treatment for stomach cancer is based on several variables, such as the patient’s general health, the tumor’s location, and the cancer’s stage. Treatment options frequently combine different therapies, such as the following:

• Surgery: When treating stomach cancer, surgery is frequently employed. It may entail removing the stomach (partial or whole gastrectomy), adjacent lymph nodes, and other tissues that are afflicted. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor and any malignant tissue that may be nearby.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy employs medications to either destroy or stop the growth of cancer cells. It can be given as a palliative treatment for advanced-stage cancer to lessen symptoms and delay the cancer’s progression, or as adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery to eradicate any remaining cancer cells. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is used to decrease the tumor.
• Radiation therapy: Targeting and eliminating cancer cells with high-energy beams. It can be administered internally (brachytherapy) or externally (external beam radiation), and it can be used as a palliative measure to alleviate symptoms or as a preemptive measure to diminish the tumor before surgery or to lower the chance of recurrence following surgery.
• Targeted therapy: Drugs intended to selectively target specific abnormalities found in cancer cells are known as targeted therapies. To stop the growth and spread of cancer cells, they may be used in conjunction with other treatments, particularly for advanced or metastatic stomach cancer.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy medications function by strengthening the immune system’s capacity to identify and combat cancerous cells. Immunotherapy is being investigated in clinical studies for its possible advantages, although not being utilized as frequently in stomach cancer as in certain other cancers.
• Palliative Care: For patients with advanced-stage stomach cancer, palliative care aims to improve quality of life and relieve symptoms. It aids in the management of cancer therapy side effects, such as nausea and pain.

 

Each patient’s treatment plan is unique, and depending on the particulars of their disease and general health, it may include a combination of these therapies. Eliminating the cancer, preventing its recurrence, and enhancing the patient’s quality of life are the objectives of treatment. Providing supportive care and controlling side effects are crucial components of treating stomach cancer. To make well-informed decisions regarding their care, patients must talk with their healthcare provider about treatment alternatives and any adverse effects.

If the disease is limited to the stomach, treatment for stomach cancer has the highest chance of success. For those with minor stomach malignancies, the prognosis is favorable. Many are likely to get better. Most stomach cancers are discovered when the illness is further advanced and there is less chance of recovery. It is more difficult to treat stomach cancer that penetrates the stomach wall or spreads to other body areas.

• Consume a lot of fruits and vegetables. Make an effort to eat fruits and veggies every day. Select a range of vibrant fruits and veggies.
• Reduce the amount of salty and smoked foods you eat. Eat fewer foods that are smoked and/or salted. Limit these foods to protect your tummy.
• Give up smoking. Give up smoking if you do. Smoking raises the risk of numerous cancers, including stomach cancer. It can be rather difficult to stop smoking, so get assistance from your healthcare provider.
• If you have a family history of stomach cancer, let your doctor know. Individuals who have a significant family history of stomach cancer may undergo screening for the disease. Screening tests can identify stomach cancer before symptoms appear.

People may decide to receive treatment for stomach cancer in Turkey for several reasons, including:

• High-quality Medical Facilities: Turkey is renowned for having hospitals and other medical facilities that meet international standards, as well as for being contemporary and well-equipped. Modern equipment and cutting-edge technologies are available in many Turkish hospitals to diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses, including stomach cancer.
• Experienced Healthcare Professionals: Stomach cancer therapy is a specialty of Turkey’s highly skilled and experienced medical experts, who include surgeons, radiologists, endocrinologists, oncologists, and radiologists. Numerous medical professionals in Turkey have studied and trained in esteemed universities across the globe.
• Cost-effective Healthcare: Compared to many Western nations, Turkey is renowned for offering top-notch medical care at comparatively reduced expenses. Patients seeking reasonably priced, high-quality healthcare options—including therapy for stomach cancer—are drawn to this cost-effectiveness.

If you want to learn more about stomach (gastric) cancer feel free to contact Medical Center Turkey team. Just click below to consult for free.