Stomach Cancer - Symptoms, Treatments

Stomach cancer, which is scientifically termed as gastric cancer, is the acquisition of the malignant group of cells that form a mass in a part of the stomach. Several types of cancer can occur in the stomach. The most common type is called adenocarcinoma. It starts from one of the cell types found in the lining of the stomach.

Symptoms Of Stomach Cancer

Early symptoms include:

• Indigestion or heartburn
• Pain or discomfort in the abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting, particularly vomiting up solid food shortly after eating
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloating of the stomach after meals
• Loss of appetite
• Sensation of food getting stuck in the throat while eating

Symptoms of advanced stomach cancer may include:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Vomiting blood or having blood in the stool
• Unexplained weight loss

Treatments For Stomach Cancer

Surgery (Gastrectomy) - A common method in which the affected part is cut off. Key hole surgery is also done.

Chemotherapy - Anti-cancer medicines are used to kill cancer cells or stop from multiplying.

Radiotherapy - In this treatment, high energy beams are focused on cancerous tissue. It kills or stops the cell from multiplying.

Chemoradiotherapy - It is a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy which did during the surgery.

Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation may improve symptoms and may extend survival, but may not cure cancer. Surgery is recommended for mitigating cancerous cells.

How To Prevent Stomach Cancer?

As the experts do not know the real cause of gastric cancer, there are no vaccines for it. There is no way to prevent it, however, a certain measure can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the disease.

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Reduce consumption of salty and smoked foods.
• Avoid smoking
• Check up with the Doctor regularly

Dr. Deepak Varma is an expert in laparoscopic surgeon in Kerala. He also conducts palliative surgeries such as gastrojejunostomy, and feeding tube placement for cancers that cannot be removed.

Visit Us : gastrosurgeoncochin.com

Mail Us : gastrosurgeoncochin@gmail.com

Know More About Stomach Cancer & Catch Them Early

A gradually developing form of cancer, stomach cancer is the second among the most common cancers in the world. Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, is caused due to abnormal cell growth that leads to the formation of tumours in some parts of the stomach. They are dominantly found in the developing countries. Instances of stomach cancer are increasingly found in the male population. Dr. Deepak Varma, a leading gastrosurgeon provides Stomach Cancer Treatment In Cochin.

Causes Of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancers are known to be caused as the result of a flawed lifestyle. Some factors contributing to the incidence of the disease are as follows: -

• Stomach infections like H.pylori or ulcers
• An unhealthy diet with an excess of salted foods and pickles
• Presence of aflatoxin fungus in dried foods, ground nuts and so on
• Pre-existing medical conditions like oesophagitis, GERD, Barrett’s syndrome, stomach polyps and so on
• Due to previous instances of surgical procedures

Types Of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancers vary in nature based on the location of tumours and extent of spread. The different types of stomach cancers include adenocarcinoma, which are the most common and develop in the mucosal lining of the stomach, GIST developing in the connective tissues or stomach muscles, lymphomas, neuroendocrine tumours and so on.

Signs And Symptoms Of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancers are known to present different symptoms in different patient depending on the type and extend of the disease. However, loss of appetite is one of the main signs of stomach cancer. Other signs include

• Weight loss coupled with indigestion and anaemia
• Vomiting with traces of blood
• Heart burn
• Tarry or black stool
• Fatigue and bloating after food intake

 

Treatment For Stomach Cancer

The treatment of stomach cancer is initiated after a diagnosis test to ascertain the presence of the disease. The diagnosis tests include analysis of CBC, electrolyte panel, endoscopy or endoscopic scan and so on.

The main treatment for stomach cancer involves surgery where the tumour, affected parts and adjoining lymph nodes are removed to arrest the spread of the disease. In the initial stages of the disease, this can be performed by endoscopy. In severe or advanced cases, these are followed with radiation and chemotherapy.

Dr. Deepak Varma is a leading Gastrointestinal Doctor in Kochi,  Kerala, specialised in effectively dealing with a variety of gastrointestinal disorders.

Visit Us : gastrosurgeoncochin.com

Mail Us : gastrosurgeoncochin@gmail.com