Home : Health : Gastric Cancer – Causes, Symptoms, And Management

Gastric cancer – Causes, symptoms, and management

Gastric cancer – Causes, symptoms, and management

Gastric or stomach cancer can develop in any part of the stomach. In most cases, it occurs in the central part of the stomach, known as the stomach body. In other cases, the cancer develops in the gastroesophageal junction, where the esophagus and stomach are connected. In both cases, cancer cells grow abnormally in the stomach regions. Here are some common causes, symptoms, and management options for gastric or stomach cancer.

Causes
Stomach cancer develops due to genetic mutation or changes in the DNA present in the cells of the stomach. As a result of this mutation, the cells begin to grow faster, causing a tumor to form over time. With the cancer progressing, the number of cancer cells outgrows the number of healthy cells.
As time passes, the cancerous cells in the stomach can progressively invade and harm healthy tissues. The cells penetrate deeper into the stomach and eventually break away from the abdominal area to spread to other body parts during the advanced stages. If cancerous cells migrate to another part of the body, it is known as metastasis. Researchers have yet to learn why the mutation occurs. However, conclusive studies indicate that certain factors increase the risk of gastric cancer. Here are some of the common risk factors.

  • Family history of stomach cancer
  • Autoimmune atrophic gastritis
  • Gastritis
  • Epstein-Barr virus infection
  • Infection of the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease or (GERD)
  • History of stomach polyps or stomach ulcers
  • Excessive consumption of foods that are fatty, salty, smoked or pickled
  • Consuming meals that lack fruits and vegetables
  • Prolonged exposure to toxic substances, including coal, rubber, and metallic particles.

In addition to the above, certain genetic conditions can increase the risk of gastric cancer. These conditions include the following.

  • Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
  • Lynch syndrome
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis
  • Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer
  • Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)
  • Li-Fraumeni syndrome

Symptoms of gastric cancer
The symptoms are minimal at the initial stages of gastric cancer, making early diagnosis difficult. Symptoms usually start to appear when the cancer has already spread. In the rare event of early-stage stomach cancer symptoms, they usually include the following.

  • Frequent instances of indigestion
  • Feeling bloated after eating a meal
  • Constant heartburn
  • Experiencing slight nausea
  • Loss of appetite

Experiencing any of the signs above may indicate the possibility of having gastric cancer. However, it is important to note that these symptoms are not unique to gastric cancer and may also be caused by other digestive and gastrointestinal health issues. To obtain an accurate diagnosis, it is crucial to consult with a primary care physician and specialized doctors, who will conduct various tests and examinations. As the cancer progresses and tumors grow, additional symptoms may become apparent. Patients may experience various symptoms commonly associated with the condition during the advanced stages of gastric cancer.

  • Severe and chronic abdominal pain
  • Appearance of blood in the stool
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Difficulty in swallowing foods, particularly dry and solid foods
  • Skin and eyes start to have a yellowish tint
  • Swelling in the stomach
  • Frequent instances of constipation or diarrhea
  • Fatigue, tiredness, and weakness
  • Heartburn

Management options for gastric cancer
Gastric cancer can be cured through treatments only if it is detected in the early stages. However, for advanced stages, treatment plans are devised to alleviate the effects of the symptoms and improve the quality of life. The treatment options are based on the location of the cancer, stage of progression, and overall health of the person. Generally, a team of health experts may recommend the following treatment options. In some cases, a combination of treatments is also used.

  • Surgery: The cancerous cells or tumors are surgically removed using several procedures. This line of treatment is usually adopted when gastric cancer has been detected in the early stages with the cancer cells still restricted to the stomach lining or the stomach and has not spread to the other parts of the body. Surgeries include endoscopic mucosal resection, subtotal gastrectomy, total gastrectomy, and lymph node removal. In the advanced stages, surgery is done to provide relief from the symptoms.
  • Chemotherapy: This is an intravenous procedure that kills off cancer cells. Chemotherapy is usually done in the advanced stages of gastric cancer. There are several types of chemotherapy procedures. One of the most common types is systemic chemotherapy, which travels through the whole body, killing off cancer cells. Then, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is done right after surgery and administered directly to the stomach. In addition, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is sometimes recommended to be administered before surgical procedures to remove the cancer.
  • Targeted therapy: Targeted treatments attack certain chemicals found within cancerous cells. These chemicals are blockers, causing the cells to die and the tumors to shrink. This treatment option usually accompanies chemotherapy procedures in the advanced stages.
  • Radiation therapy: This treatment method uses high-powered energy beams to kill off cancer cells. The beams can be protons, X-rays, or other sources. This procedure is usually done in the advanced stages. During the procedure, a machine is used to direct the beams to precise points of the body where cancer has developed. In some cases, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are done simultaneously through a procedure known as chemoradiation. Radiation therapy can be done before or after surgery. When done before surgery, the goal is to shrink the size of the tumor. This is referred to as neoadjuvant radiation. When the cancer cannot be obliterated even with surgery, it is followed by a radiation therapy procedure. This is adjuvant radiation.
  • Immunotherapy: This treatment option involves using chemicals to support the immune system in combating cancerous cells. The immune system is made to look for these cells and kill them off. Generally, immunotherapy is administered in the advanced stages or when gastric cancer comes after remission.

Popular Reads

Top 9 foods for managing macular degeneration

Top 9 foods for managing macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition in which the retina’s central portion (macula) deteriorates. The macula is responsible for recording images one sees before they are sent to the brain. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, usually affecting people over 65. However, the condition can also develop in younger individuals due to genetic factors. One could make better food choices to manage the symptoms of this condition and improve eye health. Salmon Adding fish like salmon to one’s meal plan may significantly help improve eye health. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and proteins—essential nutrients that encompass each cell in the body. Moreover, salmon is rich in a type of omega-3 fatty acid called DHA, which is commonly found in the retina and the brain. Other fish varieties that may help maintain eye health include sardines, anchovies, and mackerel. Broccoli Multiple types of leafy green vegetables, including broccoli, can provide the necessary nutrients to maintain eye health. One can also choose other healthy veggies, like bell peppers and Brussels sprouts, that are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which help the body fight and prevent cellular damage. Carrots One of the carrot’s primary benefits for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is its antioxidant called beta-carotene. The antioxidant is converted to vitamin A by the body and used by the rods and cones of the eyes to improve vision, especially when it comes to perceiving light and color. Pasture-raised eggs Eggs are another great food source that one should add to their daily meals. Pasture-raised eggs contain B12, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, zeaxanthin, lutein, and an amino acid called cysteine. Together, these nutrients are known to reduce the risk of AMD and cataracts. Zucchini Excessive exposure to UV and HEV rays may damage the retina and consequently increase one’s risk of developing macular degeneration.
Tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration

Tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a degenerative condition that primarily affects people over 50. This disorder thins and deteriorates the macula, the area of the eye that produces the clearest, most detailed vision. Early detection and treatment can lower the chances of permanent vision loss. Simple lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier and exercising regularly, can significantly reduce the risk of AMD. Here are a few simple lifestyle modifications that can help prevent the condition. Lifestyle modification tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration Maintain a normal blood pressure level Hypertension promotes AMD by decreasing blood flow to the vascular layer of the eye, known as the choroid. The lack of oxygen in the eye accelerates the deterioration and increases the risk of wet AMD and central vision loss. It is preferable to keep blood pressure under control to avoid this situation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding fried foods, eating well, and exercising regularly can all help keep blood pressure under control. Although this condition has nothing to do with weight, a body mass index of 30 can make it worse, so it is preferable to keep a low BMI. Consume more antioxidant-rich foods Antioxidants are chemicals that prevent or reduce free radical damage to cells. According to research, eating foods high in antioxidant content can slow the progression of macular degeneration in some people. Dark green leafy vegetables like kale, Swiss chard, spinach, and mustard greens are high in antioxidants. Green peas, summer squash, pumpkin, broccoli, asparagus, and carrots are also rich in these essential nutrients. All of these foods are rich in carotenoids and flavonoids like anthocyanin, which are good for the body. Take supplements While food is a great source of nutrients, as we get older, our bodies might not be able to absorb all the nutrients we need to stay healthy.
Top laundry detergent brands and tips to consider

Top laundry detergent brands and tips to consider

Every household uses laundry detergent regularly to take care of various cleaning tasks and to keep clothes clean, fresh, and odor-free after each wash. However, every detergent is unique and has multiple benefits and drawbacks. Some detergents can also cause allergies, so finding a detergent that meets all your needs while leaving your clothes soft and fluffy is essential. Here are a few highly efficient laundry detergents and their features to consider. Top laundry detergent brands Hygienic Clean Heavy 10x Duty Power PODS These pods are designed to effectively penetrate the fibers and the spaces between them. It dissolves and removes body oils and other unwanted substances that are invisible to the naked eye. In terms of cleaning effectiveness, it outperforms all other detergents. Even without using bleach, it makes white t-shirts and bedding whiter. These large Power Pods, which contain more cleaning agents than two regular pods, are an excellent choice for families who wash a lot of clothes on a regular basis. The only disadvantage is that the pods may be too large for light loads. ProClean + Stain Fighter Liquid Laundry Detergent When it comes to liquid detergents, Persil ProClean is an excellent choice. It works well to remove stains when used with cold water, and switching to a cold washing method can help save electricity. It effectively removes tough egg yolk stains and odors and works well in any water temperature. It has odor-removal technology that keeps clothes fresh and makes them smell great. This detergent is a good choice for people looking for an all-in-one product, as it works on all washer types, including high-efficiency (HE) models. It has a strong scent and might be pricey. Ultra Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent The Kirkland brand is an excellent choice for a hardworking detergent. When washed in cold water, it works best for polyester clothing and can remove difficult stains like tea from cotton and polyester garments.