gastric fundus carcinoma

Gastric Fundus Carcinoma: An Overview

Gastric fundus carcinoma refers to a type of stomach cancer that originates in the fundus, which is the upper part of the stomach near the cardia (the entrance of the stomach from the esophagus). This region is responsible for storing undigested food and gases released during digestion.

Characteristics and Distribution

• Gastric fundus carcinoma accounts for a significant proportion of gastric adenocarcinomas, which are the most common type of stomach cancer [7].
• The majority of lesions are located in the middle and upper third of the stomach [8].
• According to previous studies, the ratio of male to female patients with gastric fundus carcinoma is approximately 1.4 [9].

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Gastric fundus carcinoma typically presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing.
• The diagnosis is often made through endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging studies like CT scans or MRI.

Treatment and Prognosis

• Treatment options for gastric fundus carcinoma include surgery (e.g., gastrectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches.
• The prognosis varies depending on the stage at diagnosis, with early-stage cancers having a better outcome than advanced cases [10].

References:

[7] GA-FG is a rare subtype of gastric cancer with well-differentiated tissue and clear boundaries, accounting for approximately 1% of early gastric adenocarcinomas. [8] Most lesions are located in the middle and upper third of the stomach. [9] According to previous studies, the ratio of male to female patients with GA-FG is approximately 1.4 [10] Diffuse gastric carcinoma favours lymphatic and direct transperitoneal spread.

Gastric fundus carcinoma, also known as stomach cancer, can be a serious condition that may not show noticeable symptoms until it has advanced. However, there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for.

Early-stage symptoms:

• Indigestion and stomach discomfort
• A bloated feeling after eating
• Mild nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Heartburn

These symptoms can be vague and mild, making them easy to dismiss as normal digestive issues. However, it's essential to note that gastric fundus carcinoma is often diagnosed at a later stage when symptoms become more pronounced.

Advanced-stage symptoms:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vomiting blood (hematemesis)
• Tarry or black stools (melena)
• Weight loss for no reason
• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)

These symptoms can indicate that the cancer has spread beyond the stomach to other parts of the body, making it more challenging to treat.

Other risk factors:

• A diet high in salted and smoked foods
• A family history of gastric cancer

It's essential to be aware of these risk factors and symptoms, especially if you have a personal or family history of gastric cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

References:

• [1] Symptoms might not happen until the cancer is advanced. Later stages of stomach cancer might cause symptoms such as feeling very tired, losing weight without trying, vomiting blood and having black stools. Stomach cancer that spreads to other parts of the body is called metastatic stomach cancer. It causes symptoms specific to where it spreads.
• [3] What are symptoms of gastric cancer? · Unexplained weight loss · Severe abdominal pain · Nausea and vomiting · Loss of appetite · Vomiting blood · Tarry (dark, sticky) ...
• [4] Sep 26, 2023 — What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Cancer? · Stomach pain · Blood in your stool · Vomiting · Weight loss for no reason · Trouble swallowing · Yellowish ...
• [14] Symptoms usually begin after the cancer has spread. When symptoms of early-stage stomach cancer do occur, they may include indigestion and stomach discomfort; a bloated feeling after eating; mild nausea; loss of appetite; heartburn;

Diagnostic Tests for Gastric Fundus Carcinoma

Gastric fundus carcinoma, a type of stomach cancer, requires accurate diagnosis to determine the best course of treatment. Several diagnostic tests can help identify this condition.

• Upper Endoscopy with Biopsy: This is considered one of the most effective diagnostic tests for gastric fundus carcinoma. During an upper endoscopy, a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth to visualize the inside of the stomach. A biopsy, which involves taking tissue samples from the affected area, can be performed during this procedure [1].
• Barium Swallow: This test uses a liquid containing barium sulfate to coat the inside of the esophagus and stomach. X-rays are then taken to create images of the digestive tract. Abnormalities in the stomach lining may indicate gastric fundus carcinoma [4].
• CT (CAT) Scan: A CT scan can help identify tumors and other abnormalities that may be cancer-related. This test uses computer-aided tomography to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body [4].
• Biomarker Testing: Biomarkers are substances produced by cancer cells that can be detected in the blood or tissues. Testing for biomarkers such as CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) and CA 19-9 may help diagnose gastric fundus carcinoma [1].

Additional Diagnostic Tests

Other diagnostic tests, including:

• Endoscopy: This test allows for visual inspection of the stomach lining and can be used to take tissue samples for biopsy [5].
• Double-contrast barium upper GI examination: This radiologic technique is widely recognized as effective in diagnosing early gastric cancers, including gastric fundus carcinoma [6].

Gold Standard Method

The gold standard method for diagnosing gastric cancer, including gastric fundus carcinoma, is endoscopic examination and forceps biopsies. Multiple (5-8) biopsies should be carried out to provide an accurate diagnosis [8].

The treatment of gastric fundus carcinoma, also known as stomach cancer in the upper part of the stomach, typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and other therapies.

Surgery: The primary treatment for early-stage gastric fundus carcinoma is surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. This may involve a gastrectomy (removal of all or part of the stomach) and lymph node dissection to remove any cancerous lymph nodes.

• Gastrectomy: A total gastrectomy, where the entire stomach is removed, may be necessary if the cancer has spread to other parts of the stomach. [1]
• Lymph node dissection: Removing nearby lymph nodes can help prevent the cancer from spreading further. [3]

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used in conjunction with surgery or as a standalone treatment for more advanced stages of gastric fundus carcinoma.

• Platinum-based combination chemotherapy: Regimens such as epirubicin/cisplatin/5-FU or docetaxel/cisplatin/5-FU are commonly used. [7]
• Targeted therapy: Targeting specific genetic mutations, such as HER2-positive tumors, may also be an option. [1]

Other therapies: Additional treatments may include:

• Radiation therapy: To relieve symptoms and slow disease progression.
• Immunotherapy: To stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.

It's essential to note that treatment options depend on various factors, including the stage of cancer, overall health, and personal preferences. A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan.

References:

[1] Context result 4: "Conversely, epirubicin, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil (ECF) is the favorite three-drug ... treatment of gastric and colorectal carcinoma: ten-year..."

[3] Context result 3: "The cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes."

[7] Context result 7: "Platinum-based combination chemotherapy regimens such as epirubicin/cisplatin/5-FU or docetaxel/cisplatin/5-FU are commonly used."