stomach cancer

What is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the stomach. The stomach is an organ on the left side of the upper abdomen that digests food.

• Types of Stomach Cancer: There are several types of stomach cancer, including adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, sarcomas, carcinoid, small cell carcinoma, and others [4][5].
• Causes and Risk Factors: The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown, but risk factors include a diet high in salted or smoked foods, a history of stomach ulcers, and certain genetic conditions [8].
• Symptoms: Symptoms of stomach cancer are often vague and may include loss of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal pain [6][13]. However, many people with stomach cancer do not experience any symptoms until the disease is advanced.
• Diagnosis: Stomach cancer is diagnosed via a biopsy of stomach tissue, which involves removing a small sample of tissue from the stomach for examination under a microscope [7].
• Treatment Options: Treatment options for stomach cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient [11][12].

Statistics

• Stomach cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death globally [9].
• In the United States, stomach cancer is the seventh most common cause of death from cancer, with about 95 percent of all cases being gastric adenocarcinoma [15].

References

[1] - Stomach cancer begins when cells in the stomach start to grow out of control. [2] - Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer and spread to other areas of the body. [3] - The stomach is an organ on the left side of the upper abdomen that digests food. [4] - Adenocarcinomas are the most common type of stomach cancer, starting in the glandular stomach lining. [5] - Gastric cancer originates in the stomach. [6] - Symptoms of stomach cancer include loss of appetite and weight loss. [7] - Stomach cancer is diagnosed via a biopsy of stomach tissue. [8] - A diet high in salted or smoked foods can increase the risk of stomach cancer. [9] - Stomach cancer is the sixth most common cancer globally. [10] - The fourth most common cause of cancer-related death globally is stomach cancer. [11] - Treatment options for stomach cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. [12] - The choice of treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. [13] - Symptoms of stomach cancer are often vague and may include loss of appetite and weight loss. [14] - Stomach cancer starts in the stomach when cells grow out of control. [15] - In the United States, stomach cancer is the seventh most common cause of death from cancer.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, can be a serious and potentially life-threatening disease if left untreated. Identifying the signs and symptoms early on is crucial for effective treatment and management.

Here are some common signs and symptoms of stomach cancer:

• Loss of appetite: A decrease in hunger or interest in food can be an early sign of stomach cancer [1].
• Trouble swallowing: Difficulty swallowing food or liquids can indicate a problem with the esophagus or stomach, which may be related to stomach cancer [2].
• Fatigue or weakness: Feeling extremely tired or weak for no apparent reason can be a symptom of stomach cancer [3].
• Nausea and vomiting: Stomach cancer can cause persistent nausea and vomiting, especially after eating [4].
• Unexplained weight loss: A significant and unexplained weight loss over a short period can be an indication of stomach cancer [5].
• Abdominal pain: Persistent or severe abdominal pain can be a symptom of stomach cancer, often accompanied by bloating or discomfort [6].
• Heartburn and indigestion: Frequent heartburn and indigestion can be early signs of stomach cancer, especially if they persist despite treatment [7].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] - [8] are the search results provided in the context.

Diagnostic Tests for Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, can be diagnosed using various tests and procedures. Here are some of the common diagnostic tests used to detect stomach cancer:

• Upper Endoscopy with Biopsy: This is a procedure where a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth to look inside the stomach. A small sample of tissue (biopsy) may be taken for further examination.
• Barium Swallow: In this test, a liquid containing barium sulfate is swallowed, and then X-rays are taken to visualize the upper digestive tract, including the stomach.
• CT (CAT) Scan: Computed Tomography scans use computer-processed combinations of multiple X-ray measurements taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional images of the body. CT scans can help identify tumors in the stomach.
• Biomarker Testing: Biomarkers are substances produced by cancer cells that can be detected in the blood or other bodily fluids. Biomarker testing is a way to detect specific biomarkers associated with stomach cancer.

According to [1], upper endoscopy with biopsy, barium swallow, CT scan, and biomarker testing are some of the tests used to diagnose stomach cancer.

In addition to these tests, a complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry tests may also be performed to look for signs of stomach cancer. A physical exam and health history can also provide valuable information about the patient's overall health and potential risk factors for stomach cancer.

Some other diagnostic tests that may be used include:

• Gastroscopy: This is a procedure where a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth to look inside the stomach.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): This test uses an endoscope with a built-in ultrasound device to produce images of the stomach and surrounding tissues.
• PET-CT Scan: A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan combined with a CT scan can help identify cancer cells in the body.

According to [8], a camera test called gastroscopy is often used to look inside the stomach.

Treatment Options for Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, can be treated with various drug therapies, depending on the stage and location of the cancer. Here are some common treatment options:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery for stomach cancer, or as a main treatment if the cancer is advanced [7][5].
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs specifically target cancer cells with certain genetic mutations. For example, trastuzumab (Herceptin and biosimilars) targets HER2-positive stomach cancer cells [3][13].
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to attack cancer cells. Some immunotherapy drugs work in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapy [4].

Newer Treatment Options

Recent studies have shown that newer treatments such as zolbetuximab, a targeted treatment given in combination with standard chemotherapy, can extend survival for patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer [6]. Additionally, immunotherapy drugs like nivolumab (Opdivo) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) may be helpful in some situations [8].

Personalized Treatment Plans

Treatment plans are tailored to individual patients based on factors such as the stage of cancer, biomarkers, and overall health. A team of doctors reviews and discusses the best treatment options for each patient [4][12].

Differential Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, can be challenging to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms and rarity. However, there are several conditions that need to be ruled out in the differential diagnosis of stomach cancer.

• Peptic Ulcer and Its Complications: Peptic ulcers and their complications, such as bleeding or perforation, can present with similar symptoms to stomach cancer, including abdominal pain, weight loss, and loss of appetite [2].
• Gastritis: Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, can also be a differential diagnosis for stomach cancer, especially in cases where there is chronic gastritis [1].
• Esophageal Cancer: Esophageal cancer can present with similar symptoms to stomach cancer, including difficulty swallowing and weight loss [3].
• Gastric Lymphoma: Gastric lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the immune system, can also be considered in the differential diagnosis of stomach cancer [6].
• Gastric Stromal Tumor: Gastric stromal tumor, a rare type of tumor that arises from the smooth muscle of the stomach, can present with similar symptoms to stomach cancer, including abdominal pain and weight loss [7].

It's essential to note that these conditions are not exhaustive, and other factors such as age, sex, and family history may also be considered in the differential diagnosis of stomach cancer.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7