Stomach cancer affects the lining cells of the stomach, causing uncontrolled growth. We'll tell you how this cancer develops, its risk factors and treatment.
Stomach Cancer and Its Treatment
Stomach cancer affects the innermost stomach lining, and it causes the cells to grow and divide uncontrolled, leading to tumour growth within the stomach and surrounding tissue.
Cancer's main treatment is
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Targeted drug therapy
Surgery is the major treatment method and is used to remove the tumor. Other methods apply per the tumour's size, location, and spread.
What Causes Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer has various risk factors, but the exact cause is unknown. The risk factors include
Smoking
H. pylori infection
Diet high in salty or smoked foods.
Advanced age
Family history of the disease.
Certain genetic conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis.
Excessive alcohol consumption
A history of stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal conditions
What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?
The symptoms of stomach cancer depend on its location in the stomach and how far it has spread. The common stomach cancer experiences include:
Abdominal pain or discomfort.
Heartburn or indigestion.
Nausea and vomiting.
Difficulty swallowing or feeling full quickly when eating.
Unexplained weight loss.
Anemia
Fatigue and weakness.
Loss of appetite.
Less common symptoms may include:
Bloody stools or vomit.
Watery discharge from the rectum.
Swelling or fluid in the abdomen.
Unexplained fever.
Jaundice
How to Prevent Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer is life-threatening hence the need to take preventive measures to contain it at the onset. Here are some cautions you can take to reduce your risks.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle by taking a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
Limit processed foods consumption as they are high in fats and preservatives.
Reduce your alcohol intake.
Quit smoking.
Undertake regular check-ups and screenings.
How to Treat Stomach Cancer
The type, stage of development, and overall health determine how to treat stomach cancer. Common treatment methods are
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Immunotherapy
1. Surgery
Surgery is the first treatment option for stomach cancer and removes the affected part of the stomach and surrounding tissue. Further, surgery may remove any lymph nodes affected by cancer.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells, and it comes before or after surgery and may be used in combination with radiation therapy. Chemotherapy can be administered orally or through an IV.
3. Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy destroys cancer cells using high-energy x-rays. It is usually used with chemotherapy to target areas that have not been surgically removed.
4. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. It may be combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapy if other treatments have not been successful. Further, targeted drug therapy may treat stomach cancer by targeting specific molecules in the cancer cells.
Stomach Cancer Is Not a Death Sentence
Stomach cancer is one of the cancer types with the highest treatment success rate. Although it may not be curable in some cases, many remedies can help manage the symptoms and extend life expectancy.
As noted, treatment options for stomach cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Depending on the cancer stage, your medical attendant may take different courses of treatment.
In some instances, treatment methods work in combination. Surgery is usually the primary treatment for stomach cancer. Techniques such as laparoscopy and endoscopy remove tumors and nearby lymph nodes. The extent of the tumor determines if partial or total stomach removal is necessary.
