Stomach cancer largely known to people as Gastric Cancer is an accumulation of abnormal cells that form a mass or tumor in the stomach. It is 5th commonly affecting cancer in the whole world. Stomach cancer is the third leading source of cancer-related deaths. In gastric cancer, malignant cells are formed in the lining of the stomach. The innermost layer of tissues is known as the mucosa, which produces mucus. Cancer begins in the innermost layer and spreads to the other layers as it grows. This cancer is called adenocarcinoma. There are many cancer specialist hospitals in India that treat gastric cancer. If symptoms of cancer are not recognized at an early stage, there is a possibility of it reaching an advanced stage. Signs and Symptoms of the adenocarcinoma- • Nausea and vomiting The vomit sometimes consists of blood. • Feeling full Even after eating smaller quantities of food, a patient feels as if his/her stomach is full. • Indigestion and Heartburn Food doesn’t digest properly, and the patient may get acid reflux (contents in the stomach being pushed up back to the esophagus), which may cause a burning sensation in the chest. • Sudden unintended weight loss As the digestion of food doesn’t take place adequately, it results in weight loss. • Immense pain and discomfort There is severe pain in the abdomen above the belly button. Swelling or accumulation of fluid in the stomach may take place as well. Fatigue, feeling bloated after eating, dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), frequent burping, pain in the breastbone, loss of appetite, and black stool with blood are some other symptoms of stomach cancer. Tests to diagnose or detect gastric cancer • Upper endoscopy- It is a procedure in which an endoscope (thin-lighted tube) is passed through the esophagus and stomach to check for abnormal areas. • Barium swallow-The patient is given a liquid to drink which holds barium (a silver-white metallic compound). The liquid after drinking covers the esophagus and stomach then series of x-rays are taken. This technique is also called an upper GI series. • Biopsy-The removal of cells from the stomach to be reviewed under the microscope for signs of cancer. Some other tests are CT scans, physical exams, medical history, blood tests, and complete blood count (CBC). There are various options for the treatment of gastric cancer. The different types of stomach cancer treatments are as follows: 1. Surgery Most commonly performed treatment is surgery. Subtotal gastrectomy, here parts of stomach infected by cancer are removed, and total gastrectomy, the entire stomach, infected parts esophagus are removed. Endoluminal stent replacement, endoluminal laser therapy, and Gastrojejunostomy are some other types of surgery which are rarely used. 2. Chemotherapy In stomach cancer treatment, a drug is given to a patient to stop the growth of malignant cells. It is given orally or injected directly into the bloodstream. The amount of chemo given depends on the type and stage of cancer. 3. Radiation therapy Here high energy radiation machines are used to provide radiation to patients to reduce the size of the tumor or resist it from growing. To tend to your needs and provide you with the best cancer care, there are manycancer specialist hospitalsin India. So, to know more about stomach cancer contact the cancer specialist available near you.
...read more
