Summary about Disease
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a disease in which cancer cells form in the lining of the stomach. It can develop in any part of the stomach and spread throughout the stomach to other organs, such as the liver, pancreas, esophagus, and intestines. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to vague or absent early symptoms, making treatment more challenging.
Symptoms
Early-stage gastric cancer often causes no symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:
Indigestion or heartburn
Feeling bloated after eating
Mild nausea
Loss of appetite
Unintentional weight loss
Abdominal pain
Vomiting (possibly with blood)
Black, tarry stools (indicating blood in the stool)
Fatigue
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) - rare, but indicates advanced disease affecting the liver.
Causes
The exact causes of gastric cancer are not fully understood, but several factors are known to increase the risk:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: This bacteria is a major cause of stomach inflammation and ulcers, and a significant risk factor for certain types of gastric cancer.
Diet: A diet high in smoked, pickled, or salty foods and low in fruits and vegetables increases the risk.
Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of gastric cancer.
Family history: Having a family history of gastric cancer increases your risk.
Previous stomach surgery: Certain stomach surgeries can increase the risk.
Pernicious anemia: This condition affects the ability to absorb vitamin B12.
Menetrier's disease: Rare condition causing large folds in the stomach lining.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection: This virus has been linked to a small percentage of gastric cancers.
Certain genetic syndromes: such as Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC).
Medicine Used
Treatment for gastric cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Common medicines used include:
Chemotherapy: Drugs like cisplatin, oxaliplatin, fluorouracil (5-FU), capecitabine, docetaxel, and irinotecan. Chemotherapy can be used before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or as the primary treatment for advanced cancer.
Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific abnormalities in cancer cells. Examples include trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2-positive cancers, ramucirumab (Cyramza) for advanced cancers, and pembrolizumab for MSI-H cancers.
Immunotherapy: Drugs that help the body's immune system fight cancer. Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo) are examples of immunotherapy drugs used in gastric cancer treatment. Other Medications Medications that can help control symptoms and side effects include:
Anti-nausea medications
Pain relievers
Appetite stimulants
Medications to treat anemia.
Is Communicable
Gastric cancer is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person through contact, air, or any other means. The causative factors are primarily related to individual lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and specific infections like H. pylori, which itself can be transmitted, but the cancer it may cause is not.
Precautions
While you can't completely prevent gastric cancer, you can reduce your risk by:
Treating H. pylori infection: If you test positive for *H. pylori*, get treated with antibiotics.
Eating a healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit smoked, pickled, and salty foods.
Quitting smoking: If you smoke, quit.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Limiting alcohol consumption: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
Discussing risk with your doctor: If you have a family history of gastric cancer, talk to your doctor about screening options.
How long does an outbreak last?
Gastric cancer is not an infectious disease, so it doesn't have "outbreaks." It is a chronic disease that develops over time. Once diagnosed, the disease can last for months to years, depending on the stage at diagnosis, treatment response, and individual factors.
How is it diagnosed?
Gastric cancer is diagnosed through a combination of methods:
Physical exam and medical history: The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history.
Upper endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted down the esophagus to visualize the stomach lining.
Biopsy: During an endoscopy, tissue samples (biopsies) are taken from any suspicious areas and examined under a microscope.
Imaging tests:
CT scan: Can help determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other organs.
Endoscopic ultrasound: Uses ultrasound to image the stomach wall and surrounding tissues.
PET scan: Can help detect cancer cells throughout the body.
Blood tests: Can help assess overall health and liver function.
Laparoscopy: In some cases, a surgical procedure to examine the abdominal cavity may be necessary.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms in gastric cancer can vary greatly:
Early stages: Often asymptomatic (no symptoms).
Later stages: Symptoms may develop gradually over weeks to months.
Advanced stages: Symptoms can worsen rapidly. It is important to note that the rate of progression depends on the type of gastric cancer and individual factors.
Important Considerations
Early detection is crucial: Because early-stage gastric cancer often has no symptoms, it's important to be aware of your risk factors and talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Treatment is complex: Gastric cancer treatment is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists.
Prognosis varies: The prognosis for gastric cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis, the type of cancer, and the patient's overall health.
Quality of life: Treatment can have side effects, so it's important to discuss quality of life issues with your doctor.
Support: Support groups and counseling can be helpful for patients and their families.