Stomach (Gastric) cancers

Stomach (gastric) cancer is cancer that starts in the cells lining the stomach. The stomach is an organ on the left side of the upper abdomen that digests food. The stomach is part of the digestive tract, a series of hollow, muscular organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus. The digestive tract processes nutrients and helps in foods that are eaten.

Indications of Stomach Cancers

The common signs of stomach cancer that a patient experiences include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting, with or without blood
  • Change in appetite
  • Swelling of the abdomen
  • Heartburn
  • Indigestion
  • “Vague” discomfort in the abdomen above the navel
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Upper abdomen fullness below the chest bone after consuming a small amount of food
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Anemia (low hemoglobin)

Risk Factors

  • Poor nutrition: A diet high in smoked, pickled, fermented, salted or preserved foods is a major risk factor for stomach cancer.
  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: This bacterium causes stomach inflammation and ulcers, and it can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
  • Obesity: Carrying excess body fat increases the likelihood of stomach inflammation and cancer.
  • Tobacco and alcohol use: Smoking and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages are well-established risk factors for many types of cancer, including gastric cancer.
  • Occupational exposures: Individuals who work in dusty or high-temperature processing environments and those who are exposed to certain industrial chemicals, such as chromium, are at heightened risk for developing stomach cancer.

Certain stomach cancer risk factors cannot be controlled, such as:

  • Advanced age: Most cases are diagnosed after age 55.
  • Family history: Individuals with a close relative who was diagnosed with gastric cancer are at increased risk. Inherited cancer predisposition syndromes.
  • Prior stomach surgery: If a portion of the stomach is surgically removed the risk of gastric cancer increases.

Treatment options

Surgery

The goal of surgery for stomach cancer, which is also called gastric cancer, is to remove all of the cancer. For small stomach cancers, surgery might be the first treatment. Other treatments might be used first if the stomach cancer grows deeper into the stomach wall or spreads to the lymph nodes.

Operations used to treat stomach cancer include:

Removing small cancers from the stomach lining. Very small cancers can be cut away from the inside lining of the stomach. To remove the cancer, a tube is passed down the throat and into the stomach. Special cutting tools are passed through the tube to cut out the cancer.

This procedure is called an endoscopic mucosal resection. It might be an option for treating stage 1 cancer that's growing on the inner lining of the stomach.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. Types of chemotherapy include:

  • Chemotherapy that travels through your whole body: The most common type of chemotherapy involves medicines that travel through your whole body, killing cancer cells. This is called systemic chemotherapy. The medicines can be given through a vein or taken in pill form.
  • Chemotherapy that only goes in the belly: This type of chemotherapy is called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). HIPEC is done right after surgery. After the surgeon removes the stomach cancer, the chemotherapy medicines are put directly into the belly. The medicines are heated to make them more effective. The chemotherapy is left in place for a set amount of time and then drained.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-powered beams of energy to kill cancer cells. The beams can come from X-rays, protons or other sources. During radiation therapy, you lie on a table while a machine gives the radiation treatment to precise points on your body.

Radiation therapy is often done at the same time as chemotherapy. Sometimes doctors call this chemoradiation.

Radiation therapy might not be needed for stage 1 stomach cancer. It might not be needed if surgery removed all of the cancer, and there's a low risk that the cancer will come back.

Targeted therapy

Targeted treatments use medicines that attack specific chemicals present within cancer cells. By blocking these chemicals, targeted treatments can cause cancer cells to die.

Your cancer cells are tested to see if targeted therapy is likely to work for you.

For stomach cancer, targeted therapy is often used with systemic chemotherapy. Targeted therapy is typically used for advanced stomach cancer. This might include stage 4 stomach cancers and cancer that come back after treatment.

Who Will Treat Stomach Cancers?

There is a team of specialists that cares for people with stomach cancer:

  • Gastroenterologist: a doctor who specializes in the stomach and intestines.
  • Surgical oncologist: a doctor who surgically removes cancer tumors and cancerous cells.
  • Medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with oral or systemic medication.
  • Radiation oncologist: a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with radiation therapy.
  • Pathologist: a doctor who evaluates cells, tissues and organs and performs other laboratory tests to diagnose disease.
Cost of procedure: 3,50,000

Stomach Cancer Surgery Recovery

  • Hospital stay: Patients spend about three to eight days in the hospital after surgery, depending upon the procedure performed - three to five days for partial gastrectomy and five to eight days for total gastrectomy.
  • Dietary changes: To recover from stomach surgery, patients need to make significant changes in their diet to adapt to their new digestive system. A liquid or soft diet might be recommended for the initial few days, then gradually progressing to solid foods. The transition from liquid to solid foods depends on the patient's tolerance level and the procedure performed.
  • Physical Activity: Surgery takes a toll on the patient's physical health. Gentle exercise and walking help the patient improve circulation and prevent blood clotting.

Certain lifestyle adjustments can significantly impact recovery and long-term health.

1. Dietary Adjustments

  • Smaller, Frequent Meals: Eat smaller portions more often to help with digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Balanced Diet: Focus on high-protein foods, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support recovery and prevent malnutrition.
  • Avoid Sugary and Fatty Foods: These can cause digestive issues and may not provide necessary nutrients.
  • Chew Food Thoroughly: This helps in better digestion, as the stomach's ability to process food may be reduced.

2. Hydration

  • Drink Fluids Between Meals: Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids with meals to prevent feeling too full and to aid digestion.
  • Stay Hydrated: Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

3. Nutritional Supplements

  • Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Your doctor may recommend supplements to address any deficiencies, especially if your surgery affects nutrient absorption.

Book Doctor Appointment

Lorem ipsum dolor sit, amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Tempore suscipit ipsum eos, ex eum pariatur, molestias at maxime eaque quis explicabo repellendus sapiente, porro quibusdam.

+91 133456 7890

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of gastric cancer?

Common symptoms include persistent stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes blood in vomit or stool.

How is gastric cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of methods, including endoscopy, biopsy, imaging tests (such as CT scans or MRIs), and blood tests.

What are the main risk factors for gastric cancer?

Risk factors include smoking, heavy alcohol use, family history of gastric cancer, certain infections (like H. pylori), a diet high in salty or smoked foods, and chronic stomach conditions.

What is the staging of gastric cancer?

Staging determines the extent of cancer spread, from Stage 0 (localized) to Stage IV (advanced with distant metastasis). It helps guide treatment decisions.

What treatment options are available for gastric cancer?

Depending on the stage and location of the cancer, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.

What is the role of surgery in treating gastric cancer?

Surgery may involve removing part of or the entire stomach (gastrectomy). It aims to remove the cancerous tissue and possibly nearby lymph nodes.

What can I expect during recovery from gastric cancer surgery?

Recovery involves managing pain, adjusting to dietary changes, and gradually returning to normal activities. It is important to follow post-surgery instructions for a smooth recovery.

How will my diet change after gastric cancer surgery?

You’ll need to eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid high-fat and sugary foods. A dietitian can help you plan meals that meet your nutritional needs.

What are the long-term effects of gastric cancer treatment?

Long-term effects may include changes in digestion, potential nutritional deficiencies, and the need for lifestyle adjustments. Regular follow-up is crucial.

How often should I have follow-up appointments after treatment?

Follow-up schedules vary but typically include regular visits every few months initially, then less frequently as long as there are no issues. Your healthcare team will set this based on your specific case.

Book an Appointment