Stomach cancer: get to know

Stomach cancer or gastric cancer is not-so-common cancer in our society but the 5th most common cancer worldwide. We mostly hear about people having weak stomachs, I have personally noticed this in my family. 

What is stomach cancer?

The cancer starts when cells start growing abnormally in the inner lining of the stomach. More than 1 million new cases of stomach cancer were discovered in 2020. 

Symptoms

What could be the symptoms? There are many. Feeling heartburn or acid reflux can be one but it is also a symptom of gastritis. Another symptom can be difficulty swallowing. Symptoms of indigestion such as burping can also be possible cancer symptoms as well as feeling full quickly. Pretty common symptoms but do not freak out unless you get a diagnosis!

Risk factors of stomach cancer

Many of the risk factors of gastric cancer are controllable. Including a poor diet and smoking. But other risk factors cannot be helped. Including family history, gender, previous surgeries, and age. 

Types of stomach cancers

Adenocarcinomas: more than 90% of abdominal cancer are adenocarcinomas cancer. The abnormal growth in the inner stomach lining has different properties dispensing on the location. 

GISTS: Another stomach cancer is Gastrotinalintestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTS). They are recognized by the abnormal growth of connective tissues in the stomach. 

Lymphoma: Another type is Lymphoma which caused abnormal growth of immune cells in the stomach walls. 

Carcinoid: carcinoid tumors are cancers of hormone-producing cells in the stomach. 

Treatment

gastric cancer is treatable but the treatment can be challenging. The treatment depends on the type, location, and size of the tumor, and how much it has spread to other parts. Treatment includes surgery and chemotherapy. It may also include radiotherapy. And treatment with targetted medicine. If the cancer is found early, doctors might recommend surgery. The surgery will remove part or all of the stomach. Parts of other organs may also be removed.