Stomach (gastric) cancer Treatment in Indore

Stomach (Gastric) Cancer -Description.

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a cancer of the stomach lining that can develop as a result of abnormal growth of the cells. It normally builds up gradually during a number of years, and it may begin as precancerous alterations of the stomach wall. There are no symptoms during the initial stages, and they can hardly be detected in the early stages. With the growth of the cancer, the typical symptoms become persistent stomach pains, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, unexplained loss of weight, loss of appetite, difficulty in swallowing, and, in some cases, blood either in the vomit or stool. The risk factors are chronic infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), smoking, family history, long-term gastritis, high-salt diet, and obesity.

Types of Stomach Cancer

1. Adenocarcinoma

Most common type (~90–95% of cases).

Comes out of the stomach glandular cells.

It may develop gradually, but it may penetrate further into the stomach layers and spread to other organs.

2. Lymphoma

Immune system cells (lymphocytes) attack cancer in the stomach wall.

H. pylori infection is often related to it.

3. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST).

An uncommon tumour that occurs in the interstitial cells of the stomach wall.

It may be benign or malignant.

4. Carcinoid Tumours

formed by the hormone-producing cells of the stomach.

Typically slow growing, though in some instances may metastasise.

Treatment of Stomach Cancer

Therapy varies according to the stage of cancer, its type, location and the general health of a patient:

1. Surgery

Partial gastrectomy: A partial abdominal stomach removal.

Total gastrectomy: destruction of the whole stomach (advanced cases).

To ascertain the spread, lymph nodes can also be removed.

2. Chemotherapy

Takes medications to kill cancerous cells.

May be pre-surgery (neoadjuvant) to reduce tumour size or post-surgery (adjuvant) to eliminate the residual cells.

3. Radiation Therapy

Utilises energy rays to destroy cancer cells.

Usually used together with chemotherapy.

4. Targeted Therapy

In cancer therapy, drugs that specifically inhibit molecules of cancer growth are used, e.g. trastuzumab used to treat HER2-positive gastric cancer.

5. Immunotherapy

Enhances the immune system of the body in order to get rid of cancer cells.

Applied to some of the advanced or metastatic cases.

6. Palliative Care

It is concerned with the alleviation of such symptoms of advanced stages as pain, nausea, or difficulty swallowing.

Stomach Cancer Prevention.

1. Treat H. pylori Infection

Periconceptual eradication decreases chronic inflammatory effects and gastrointestinal cancer.

2. Healthy Diet

Consume vegetables, fruits and foods rich in fibre.

Limit pickles, salty and processed foods.

3. Avoid Cigarettes and Alcoholism.

Smoking, alcohol consumption increase the stomach and other gastrointestinal cancers.

4. Healthy Weights and Physical Exercises.

Lowers the perennial inflammation and cancer risk.

5. Regular Medical Check-Ups

Particularly those with a family history, chronic gastritis or past polyps.

Precancerous alterations or early tumours can be detected with the help of screening endoscopy.

6. Manage Chronic Conditions

Address long-term gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux or pernicious anaemia.