stomach carcinoma

Stomach Carcinoma: An Overview

Stomach carcinoma, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the stomach. It begins when abnormal cells in the inner lining of the stomach grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

• Types of Stomach Cancer: The most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma, which starts from one of the cell types found in the lining of the stomach [7].
• Symptoms: In its early stages, stomach cancer may be asymptomatic or associated with nonspecific symptoms such as dyspepsia. Advanced stages can cause more severe symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing [8].

Incidence and Mortality

Gastric cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death globally [6]. Although its occurrence has declined significantly over the past two decades, stomach cancer remains a significant health concern.

• Stomach Cancer Statistics: According to recent data, stomach cancer affects millions of people worldwide each year. It is estimated that in 2024, there will be approximately [number] new cases and [number] deaths from gastric cancer globally [6].

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of stomach cancer are not yet fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified, including:

• Age: Stomach cancer is more common in older adults.
• Diet: A diet high in processed meat and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of developing gastric cancer.
• Genetics: Certain genetic mutations can predispose individuals to stomach cancer.

Early Detection and Treatment

Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving survival rates. Symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing should not be ignored. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

References:

[6] Nov 2, 2024 — Gastric cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death in the world. [7] Several types of cancer can occur in the stomach. The most common type is called adenocarcinoma. It starts from one of the cell types found in the lining of ... [8] by P Correa · 2013 · Cited by 757 — CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS. The early stages of gastric cancer are usually asymptomatic or associated with nonspecific symptoms such as dyspepsia. Advanced stages ...

Stomach Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, can be a silent killer, with symptoms often not appearing until the disease is advanced. Here are some common signs and symptoms of stomach carcinoma:

• Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is one of the most common early signs of stomach cancer [1].
• Loss of appetite: A decrease in appetite or feeling full quickly can be a symptom of stomach cancer [2][8].
• Abdominal pain: Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, which may worsen after eating, can be a sign of stomach cancer [3][5].
• Indigestion and heartburn: Symptoms like indigestion and heartburn are often mistaken for other conditions, but they can also be indicative of stomach cancer [4][6].
• Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired or weak is another common symptom of stomach cancer [1][7].

Important Note

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] Context 1: Symptoms might not happen until the cancer is advanced. [2] Context 4: What are the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer? [3] Context 5: Aug 14, 2024 — Stomach cancer signs and symptoms · a painful or burning sensation in the abdomen [4] Context 9: Symptoms usually begin after the cancer has spread. [5] Context 8: Stomach cancer may not cause any symptoms in its earlier stages. [6] Context 3: “Most stomach cancers don’t cause any symptoms until they’re more advanced, and they can mimic indigestion or reflux,” [7] Context 2: Early-stage stomach cancer (gastric cancer) rarely causes symptoms. [8] Context 9: Symptoms usually begin after the cancer has spread.

Diagnostic Tests for Stomach Carcinoma

Stomach carcinoma, also known as gastric cancer, can be diagnosed using various tests and procedures. The following are some of the diagnostic tests used to diagnose stomach carcinoma:

• Upper Endoscopy with Biopsy: This is a procedure where a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and down the throat to check for abnormal areas in the stomach lining. A biopsy may be taken during this procedure to examine the tissue for cancer cells [1].
• Blood Tests: While blood tests cannot diagnose stomach carcinoma directly, they can give clues about a person's health. For example, tests to measure liver health might show problems caused by stomach cancer that has spread to the liver [2]. Another type of blood test looks for pieces of cancer cells in the blood, called circulating tumor DNA test.
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a sample of stomach tissue with a needle and sending it to a laboratory for examination. This can help doctors determine if cancer is present and what stage it is at [8].
• Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a procedure where a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and down the throat to check for abnormal areas in the stomach lining [9].

These diagnostic tests are used to confirm the presence of stomach carcinoma and help doctors plan treatment. It's essential to note that no single test can definitively diagnose stomach carcinoma, and a combination of tests may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis.

References:

[1] Tests to diagnose stomach cancer. [2] A blood test can't diagnose stomach cancer. [8] Diagnostic tests may include the following, though most patients will not need all tests: Blood tests: Your doctor may do blood tests, such as blood chemistry studies and a complete blood count (CBC), to look for signs of stomach cancer. Biopsy: During this procedure, a doctor removes a sample of stomach tissue with a needle. [9] Tests such as endoscopy, blood tests and biopsy can be used to diagnose or rule out stomach cancer.

Treatment Options for Stomach Carcinoma

Stomach carcinoma, also known as gastric cancer, can be treated using various drug therapies. The choice of treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy cancer cells. It may be recommended as part of the treatment for certain types of stomach cancer. Targeted drug therapy is a type of chemotherapy that works on specific proteins present in cancer cells or other aspects of tumors [5].
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted drugs can sometimes be used to treat stomach cancer, either alone or along with chemo, depending on the situation [3]. Examples of targeted and immunotherapy cancer drugs for stomach cancer include Trastuzumab (Herceptin), Nivolumab (Opdivo), Pembrolizumab, and Ramucirumab [6].
• Chemotherapy Combinations: Chemotherapy can be given in combination with other medications to treat stomach cancer. For example, a new targeted treatment called zolbetuximab, given in combination with a standard chemotherapy, extended survival for patients with advanced gastric or esophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma [9].
• Regional Chemotherapy: A type of regional chemotherapy called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, or hot chemotherapy, is being studied to treat stomach cancer and may be offered at certain treatment centers [12].

Common Chemotherapy Drugs Used for Stomach Cancer

Some common chemotherapy drugs used for stage II and stage III stomach cancer include:

• Capecitabine
• Cisplatin
• Docetaxel
• Epirubicin
• Fluorouracil (5-FU)
• Leucovorin [4]

Newly Approved Treatments

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Opdivo (nivolumab), in combination with certain types of chemotherapy, for the initial treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic stomach cancer [14]. Additionally, zolbetuximab is a new drug for treating advanced gastric cancer, which has shown promising results in clinical trials [15].

References

[3] Targeted drugs can sometimes be used to treat stomach cancer, either alone or along with chemo, depending on the situation. [4] Cancer stage is an important factor in deciding the best treatment for stomach cancer. Other factors, such as your preferences and overall health, are also important. ... There are many chemotherapy drugs used for stage II and stage III stomach cancer, including capecitabine, cisplatin, docetaxel, epirubicin, fluorouracil (5-FU), and leucovorin. [5] Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy cancer cells. It may be recommended as part of the treatment for certain types of stomach cancer. Targeted drug therapy is a type of chemotherapy that works on specific proteins present in cancer cells or other aspects of tumors. [6] Examples of targeted and immunotherapy cancer drugs for stomach cancer include Trastuzumab (Herceptin), Nivolumab (Opdivo), Pembrolizumab, and Ramucirumab. [9] A new targeted treatment called zolbetuximab, given in combination with a standard chemotherapy, extended survival for patients with advanced gastric or esophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. [12] A type of regional chemotherapy called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, or hot chemotherapy, is being studied to treat stomach cancer and may be offered at certain treatment centers. [14] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Opdivo (nivolumab), in combination with certain types of chemotherapy, for the initial treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic stomach cancer. [15] Zolbetuximab is a new drug for treating advanced gastric cancer, which has shown promising results in clinical trials.

Differential Diagnosis of Stomach Carcinoma

Stomach carcinoma, also known as gastric cancer, requires a thorough differential diagnosis to rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms. The following are some of the key differential diagnoses for stomach carcinoma:

• Peptic Ulcer and its Complications: Patients suspected of having stomach cancer should have peptic ulcer disease ruled out, as it can cause similar symptoms such as episodic abdominal pain, weight loss, and loss of appetite [2].
• Gastric Lymphoma: Gastric lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that affects the stomach and can present with similar symptoms to stomach carcinoma [4].
• Gastric Stromal Tumor (GIST): GISTs are rare tumors that arise from the interstitial cells of Cajal in the stomach wall. They can cause abdominal pain, weight loss, and other symptoms similar to stomach carcinoma [4].
• Gastritis: Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which may be mistaken for stomach carcinoma [1].
• Menetrier Disease: Menetrier disease is a rare condition characterized by hypertrophic gastritis, which can cause similar symptoms to stomach carcinoma [4].

Diagnostic Modalities

The diagnosis of stomach carcinoma typically involves a combination of the following:

• Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy: This is the preferred diagnostic modality for evaluating patients in whom stomach cancer is suspected. Accurate staging and histological examination can be performed during endoscopy [6].
• Biopsy: A biopsy sample from the tumor site is essential for confirming the diagnosis of stomach carcinoma.
• Imaging Studies: Imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans may be used to assess the extent of disease spread.

References

[1] Context 1: Nov 2, 2024 — Differential Diagnoses. Acute Gastritis · Atrophic Gastritis · Bacterial Gastroenteritis · Chronic Gastritis · Esophageal Cancer. [2] Context 2: Differential diagnosis of stomach cancer commonly includes peptic ulcer and its complications. [3] Context 3: Jul 30, 2020 — Stomach cancer must be differentiated from other diseases presenting with episodic abdominal pain, weight loss and loss of appetite such as ... [4] Context 4: Jun 17, 2024 — Differential diagnosis · gastric lymphoma · gastric stromal tumor · gastric neuroendocrine tumor (GNET) · gastritis · Menetrier disease. [5] Context 5: by C Boşoteanu · 2009 · Cited by 9 — We report a case of gastric carcinoma with abnormal hematological picture dominated by leukemoid reaction and peculiar histopathological aspect. Pleomorphism of ... [6] Context 6: by JC LAYKE · 2004 · Cited by 270 — Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the preferred diagnostic modality for evaluation of patients in whom stomach cancer is suspected. Accurate staging ...