Summary about Disease
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a disease in which malignant cells form in the lining of the stomach. It can develop in any part of the stomach and may spread to other organs such as the esophagus, liver, and pancreas. Different types of stomach cancer exist, with adenocarcinoma being the most common. Early detection and treatment are crucial for better outcomes.
Symptoms
Early stages of stomach cancer often have few or no symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:
Indigestion or heartburn
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Nausea and vomiting
Bloating after meals
Feeling full after eating only a small amount
Weight loss
Fatigue
Black, tarry stools (due to bleeding)
Vomiting blood
Causes
The exact causes of stomach cancer are not fully understood, but several factors increase the risk:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: A common bacterium that can cause stomach inflammation and ulcers.
Diet high in smoked, pickled, or salted foods and low in fruits and vegetables.
Smoking.
Family history of stomach cancer.
Chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining).
Pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency).
Obesity.
Previous stomach surgery.
Certain genetic conditions, such as hereditary diffuse gastric cancer.
Medicine Used
Treatment for stomach cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Common treatments include:
Surgery: Removal of part or all of the stomach (gastrectomy).
Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells. Commonly used drugs include cisplatin, oxaliplatin, fluorouracil (5-FU), capecitabine, docetaxel, and irinotecan.
Radiation therapy: High-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific abnormalities in cancer cells. Examples include trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2-positive stomach cancer and ramucirumab (Cyramza).
Immunotherapy: Drugs that help the body's immune system fight cancer. Examples include pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo).
Is Communicable
Stomach cancer is not communicable. It is not caused by a contagious virus or bacteria (with the exception of H. pylori which while contagious does not always lead to cancer). It cannot be spread from one person to another through direct contact or airborne transmission.
Precautions
While stomach cancer cannot be entirely prevented, these precautions can reduce the risk:
Treat H. pylori infection: If you are diagnosed with H. pylori, get treated with antibiotics.
Eat a healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit smoked, pickled, and salted foods.
Quit smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of stomach cancer.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor.
Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can irritate the stomach lining.
Be aware of family history: If you have a strong family history of stomach cancer, talk to your doctor about screening options.
How long does an outbreak last?
Stomach cancer is not an "outbreak" in the traditional sense of an infectious disease. It is a chronic condition that develops over time. There is no specific duration for an "outbreak," as it's more about the progressive nature of the disease.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of stomach cancer typically involves:
Physical exam and medical history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and risk factors.
Upper endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted down the esophagus to view the stomach lining.
Biopsy: During endoscopy, tissue samples are taken for microscopic examination to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Imaging tests: CT scans, MRI, PET scans, and endoscopic ultrasound can help determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other organs.
Barium swallow (upper GI series): X-rays are taken after drinking a barium solution, which coats the esophagus and stomach.
Blood tests: May reveal anemia or other abnormalities.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies greatly depending on the individual and the stage of the cancer.
Early Stages: Often asymptomatic or with very mild, vague symptoms like indigestion. These can be easily dismissed.
Later Stages: Symptoms become more pronounced and persistent. These may include abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and feeling full quickly. The progression from early to later stages can take months to years.
Advanced Stages: Symptoms related to metastasis (spread of cancer) may appear, such as jaundice (if it spreads to the liver) or bone pain (if it spreads to the bones).
Important Considerations
Early detection is crucial for improving survival rates. Pay attention to persistent digestive symptoms and seek medical attention if you have concerns.
Treatment is often multidisciplinary, involving surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and/or immunotherapy.
Participation in clinical trials may offer access to new and promising treatments.
Nutritional support is important during and after treatment to maintain weight and strength.
Emotional support and counseling can help patients and their families cope with the challenges of stomach cancer.
Follow-up care is essential to monitor for recurrence and manage any long-term side effects of treatment.