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Stomach Cancer

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Stomach Cancer

(Also known as Gastric Cancer)

What is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, occurs when abnormal cells in the lining of the stomach grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. It often begins in the inner layer (mucosa) of the stomach and can gradually spread through the outer layers, nearby lymph nodes, and other organs such as the liver, pancreas, or oesophagus.

Stomach cancer develops slowly and may go undetected in its early stages, making early screening and awareness crucial for timely treatment.

Types of Stomach Cancer

  1. Adenocarcinoma – Most common (~90%); starts in the glandular cells lining the stomach.
  2. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST) – Arises in the stomach’s connective tissue.
  3. Lymphoma – Affects immune system cells in the stomach wall.
  4. Carcinoid Tumours – Rare; develops from hormone-producing cells.
  5. Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Extremely rare in the stomach.

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Early symptoms are often vague and mistaken for common digestive problems:

  • Indigestion or heartburn that doesn’t go away
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling full quickly after small meals
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Bloating, especially after meals
  • Difficulty swallowing (in upper stomach cancers)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Blood in vomit or stools (black, tarry stools)
  • Persistent stomach pain or discomfort

Note: These symptoms may mimic gastritis, ulcers, or acid reflux — consult a doctor if symptoms persist more than 2–3 weeks.

Causes & Risk Factors

  • Helicobacter pylori infection – A common stomach bacteria linked to ulcers and cancer
  • Chronic gastritis or stomach ulcers
  • Smoking and alcohol abuse
  • Obesity and poor diet (high in salty, smoked, or processed foods)
  • Family history of stomach cancer
  • Previous stomach surgery or polyps
  • Pernicious anaemia
  • Genetic mutations (e.g., CDH1, Lynch syndrome)
  • Epstein-Barr virus infection

Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer

  1. Clinical Evaluation
    • History of symptoms, weight loss, anemia, digestive issues
  2. Endoscopy with Biopsy (Upper GI Endoscopy)
    • A flexible tube is passed into the stomach to view and collect tissue samples for confirmation
  3. Imaging Tests
    • CT scan of abdomen and pelvis to check spread
    • PET-CT scan for detailed staging
    • Barium swallow X-ray (rarely used now)
    • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) – To assess tumour depth and lymph node involvement
  4. Blood Tests
    • CBC – To check for anaemia
    • CEA and CA 19-9 – Tumour markers (used in monitoring)

Stages of Stomach Cancer

  • Stage 0: Abnormal cells in the innermost lining (precancer)
  • Stage I: Cancer in the inner layers, possibly in 1–2 lymph nodes
  • Stage II: Cancer in deeper layers and several lymph nodes
  • Stage III: Extensive lymph node involvement or spread to nearby organs
  • Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs (liver, lungs, peritoneum)

Treatment Options at Onco-Life Cancer Centre

Treatment depends on the stage, location, and patient’s overall health. Our team offers multidisciplinary, personalized care.

  1. Surgery
    • Subtotal or Total Gastrectomy – Removal of part or all of the stomach
    • Lymph Node Dissection – To prevent further spread
    • Reconstruction – To connect the oesophagus or remaining stomach to the small intestine
  2. Chemotherapy
    • Can be given before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery
    • Common drugs: 5-FU, Capecitabine, Cisplatin, Oxaliplatin
  3. Radiation Therapy
    • Often combined with chemotherapy
    • Advanced technology like Tomotherapy improves precision and minimizes side effects
  4. Targeted Therapy
    • For HER2-positive tumours (e.g., Trastuzumab/Herceptin)
    • Blocks specific proteins that fuel cancer growth
  5. Immunotherapy
    • For advanced or recurrent cases with high PD-L1 or MSI-high status
    • Drugs: Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab (under evaluation in India)
  6. Supportive Care
    • Nutritional therapy
    • Feeding tube support (if needed)
    • Pain management and palliative care

Prevention Tips

  • Treat H. pylori infection early
  • Eat a balanced diet: fresh fruits, vegetables, and fiber
  • Avoid salted, smoked, pickled, and processed foods
  • Limit alcohol and stop smoking
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Regular check-ups if you have a family history or symptoms
  • Consider endoscopy screening if at high risk

Stomach Cancer in India: Need for Awareness

  • Often diagnosed late due to overlap with gastritis symptoms
  • More common in North-East India, parts of South India, and rural areas
  • Low awareness of endoscopic screening, especially in older adults

Most Popular Questions

Stomach Cancer

1. Is stomach cancer curable?

Yes, especially in early stages with surgery and chemotherapy.

2. What is H. pylori and how does it cause cancer?

It’s a stomach bacterium. Chronic infection can damage the stomach lining and lead to cancer.

3. Can stomach ulcers lead to cancer?

Yes, especially if caused by H. pylori or left untreated.

4. How is stomach cancer detected?

Through upper GI endoscopy with biopsy and imaging scans.

5. Are endoscopy and biopsy painful?

No. They are usually done under sedation or local anesthesia and are safe.

6. What are the side effects of stomach cancer surgery?

Temporary issues like weight loss, digestion changes, or dumping syndrome (rapid stomach emptying).

7. Can chemotherapy cure stomach cancer?

It helps shrink tumors, prevent recurrence, and improve survival, but cure depends on stage and response.

8. How long is the treatment duration?

Usually 4–6 months for chemotherapy; surgery recovery takes 4–8 weeks.

9. Is stomach cancer hereditary?

Most cases are not, but some are linked to family syndromes like CDH1 mutations.

10. Can stomach cancer spread quickly?

Yes, particularly if undetected. It can spread to the liver, lungs, or abdominal lining.

11. Is weight loss a sign of stomach cancer?

Yes. Unexplained, rapid weight loss is a warning sign.

12. Can I eat normally after surgery?

You may need to adjust to smaller, frequent meals. Dieticians at Onco-Life will guide recovery.

13. Is spicy food a cause of stomach cancer?

Spicy food alone isn’t a cause, but excessive intake may irritate the stomach lining.

14. Can stomach cancer be mistaken for acidity?

Yes. That’s why persistent indigestion or bloating needs evaluation.

15. What is HER2 in stomach cancer?

A protein that, when overexpressed, fuels aggressive growth. HER2-positive cancers can be treated with targeted therapy.

16. Does chemotherapy cause hair loss?

Some drugs do. Side effects vary and are manageable with support.

17. Is radiation therapy safe for the stomach?

Yes. Advanced systems like Tomotherapy ensure high precision with minimal damage.

18. What is the life expectancy after diagnosis?

It depends on stage, treatment, and response. Early-stage cancers have high cure rates.

19. Can Ayurveda or natural remedies help cure stomach cancer?

Not as a primary treatment. They may be used as complementary care with your oncologist’s advice.

20. Where can I find emotional support?

At Onco-Life, we provide counselling, nutrition experts, survivor groups, and holistic support throughout your journey.