Stomach cancer is a common malignancy that occurs in the stomach. Stomach cancer usually originates in the cells of the stomach mucosa and can be caused by a variety of factors. Symptoms of stomach cancer may include pain in the upper abdomen, feeling full, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, etc.
Stomach cancer can begin to grow in any part of the stomach, but most begin in the gastric mucosal layer, the layer that coats the inner surface. Depending on the type of cell from which the tumor originates and the biology of the tumor, gastric cancer can be divided into several subtypes.
Classification of gastric cancer.
Intestinal stomach cancer: This type of cancer is similar to colon cancer, it is usually related to environmental factors such as diet and develops more slowly. Diffuse gastric cancer: This cancer does not form a significant mass or tumor, but instead spreads into other layers of the stomach wall, thickening the stomach wall and often having a poor prognosis. Other rare types: including neuroendocrine tumors, gastric stromal tumors, etc.
What causes stomach cancer.
1.Helicobacter pylori infection: Classified as a Class 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common causes of stomach cancer.
2.Dietary factors:
High-salt diet: Excessive salt intake can damage the stomach lining and increase the risk of stomach cancer. Preserved foods: Preserved foods containing nitrites and nitrates can be converted into potentially carcinogenic compounds in the stomach. Smoked, barbecued foods: These foods may contain carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Lack of fruits and vegetables: A lack of antioxidants and trace elements in the diet, such as vitamins C and E, may increase the risk of stomach cancer. 3.Smoking: Smoking has been linked to many types of cancer, including stomach cancer, especially in the upper stomach.
4.Family history Genetic factors: People who have a family member with stomach cancer have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer themselves.
5.Long-term alcohol consumption: Like smoking, long-term alcohol consumption may also increase the risk of stomach cancer.
6.Age and gender: The incidence of stomach cancer increases with age, and men are generally more likely to develop stomach cancer than women.
7.Congenital stomach diseases: Stomach diseases such as long-term gastritis, gastric ulcers, atrophic gastritis may increase the risk of stomach cancer.
8.Environmental factors: People who work in certain occupational environments and exposure to certain chemicals, such as coal, metalworking, rubber manufacturing, etc., may be at higher risk of stomach cancer.
9.History of anterior gastric surgery: People who have had gastrectomy may be at higher risk of stomach cancer for many years after surgery.
10.Obesity: Being overweight or obese is also considered a risk factor for stomach cancer.
These are just some of the known risk factors, and it doesn't mean that all people exposed to these risk factors will develop stomach cancer. In fact, the formation of gastric cancer is the result of a combination of factors.
How to screen for stomach cancer at an early stage.
1.Endoscopy.
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: A slender tube with a camera at the end of the tube is inserted through the mouth, allowing the doctor to directly observe the gastric mucosa and detect possible abnormalities. Cytology: During endoscopy, cells from the gastric mucosa can be scraped with a small brush and then cytologically analyzed to detect cancerous cells. 2.Imaging tests.
Barium X-ray: A x-ray is taken after the patient takes a liquid containing barium, which covers the stomach lining so that the x-ray can clearly show the outline of the stomach wall and look for possible lumps or abnormalities. CT scan: can provide more detailed images of the stomach structure and help identify the tumor and whether it has invaded the surrounding tissue. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): Endoscopy, combined with ultrasound equipment, allows the assessment of the condition of the layers of the stomach wall and the status of the lymph nodes. 3.Blood tests.
Tumor markers: such as CA19-9, CEA, etc., they can reflect the presence of tumors to a certain extent, but these markers do not have high sensitivity and specificity, and cannot be used as the only screening tool. Helicobacter pylori antibody test: Helicobacter pylori infection is a risk factor for stomach cancer, and blood testing for H. pylori antibody can help in the risk assessment of stomach cancer. 4.Sequence screening.
For high-risk groups, such as those with a family history, the elderly, and those with long-term Helicobacter pylori infection, regular sequential screening programs can be implemented. 5.Genetic testing.
For genetically predisposed individuals, genetic testing, such as testing for mutations in the E-cadherin (CDH1) gene associated with stomach cancer, may help to understand their risk of developing cancer. Precautions.
Screening should be tailored to an individual's risk factors, including family history, geographic location, dietary habits, lifestyle, etc.
False-positive or false-negative results are likely to occur with any screening method, so a combination of methods is often required to confirm the diagnosis.
Through the above screening methods, the probability of detecting early gastric cancer can be improved. However, the best screening plan should be developed by a medical professional based on the individual's risk factors and health status.
How to ** stomach cancer.
1.Surgery.
Early-stage gastric cancer: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal resection (ESD) may be performed. Locally advanced gastric cancer: Conventional surgical options include partial gastrectomy (also known as distal or proximal gastrectomy) or total gastrectomy, sometimes with lymph node dissection. 2.Chemotherapy.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery to reduce tumor size can help improve the success rate of surgery. After surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to kill cancer cells that may remain, reducing the risk. 3.Radiation therapy: usually used in combination with chemotherapy (chemoradiotherapy) as an adjunct before and after surgery.
4.Targeted**: For gastric cancers with specific marker expression, such as HER2-positive gastric cancer, specific targeted drugs can be used**.
5.Immunization**: Certain immune checkpoint inhibitors have been approved for advanced gastric cancer, especially when others have not responded.
6.Symptom remission (palliative) For advanced or non-able gastric cancer, the goal may be to focus on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life, rather than trying to to** cancer.
7.Clinical trials: Participation in a clinical trial may be open to the latest** approach, but the risks and benefits of the trial need to be considered.
8.Comprehensive medical support: Nutritional support, mental health counseling, and pain management are equally important to improve patients' quality of life.
It is important that any decision regarding stomach cancer** should be made in consultation with the patient by a health care team consisting of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, dietitians, and other health professionals. Each patient's case is unique, so the approach must also be individualized.
If you or someone you know is facing a stomach cancer diagnosis, it is important to communicate with a medical professional to develop a suitable plan.