Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a condition that occurs when cancer cells grow uncontrollably in an individual’s stomach. This type of cancer can form anywhere in the stomach and often starts in the stomach lining, spreading slowly and eventually infiltrating deeper into the stomach walls.
Symptoms of Stomach Cancer:
Symptoms of stomach cancer are not usually noticeable during its initial stages, even common indicators such as stomach pain and unexplained weight loss often appear only in the advanced stages of the disease.
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Trouble swallowing
- Black stool or vomiting blood
- Feeling full even after eating a small meal
Causes and Risk Factors of Stomach Cancer:
While the exact causes of stomach cancer remain unknown, certain factors have been identified that can increase the risk of developing the disease.
- Swelling and irritability of the stomach’s interior (gastritis)
- Smoking
- A diet high in salty and smoked foods
- Consuming fewer fruits and vegetables
- Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach
- Growth of polyps in the stomach (noncancerous cells)
- Family history of stomach cancer
- Recurrent issues with stomach acid
Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer:
During the diagnosis of stomach cancer at Sri Ramakrishna Specialty Hospital in Trichy, our expert doctors will thoroughly review the patient’s medical history and inquire about their symptoms. Additionally, a physical examination that involves feeling for any abnormalities or masses in the patient’s stomach will be conducted. Our experienced doctors use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure an accurate and efficient diagnosis
Several tests will also be recommended to diagnose and stage stomach cancer. These include:
- Upper endoscopy biopsy to retrieve a tissue sample for testing
- Endoscopic ultrasound to take pictures of the stomach
- Imaging tests, such as barium swallow, CT and MRI scans, and PET scans
- Blood tests to assess organ function
- Laparoscopy surgery to evaluate cancer spread
Treatment of Stomach Cancer:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy to stimulate the immune system’s response to cancer
A patient’s treatment plan depends on the origin and stage of cancer, age, and general health. The objectives of treatment are to treat stomach cancer cells and prevent their spread to other organs like the lungs, lymph nodes, bones, and liver.
Doctor Vijay Anand at Sri Ramakrishna Specialty Hospital in Trichy offers stomach cancer treatment with personalized care to help patients combat this disease.