ReadersAisle.com | Reliable Information Simplified

Gastric cancer – Causes, symptoms, and management

Gastric or stomach cancer can develop in any part of the stomach. In most cases, it occurs in the central part of the stomach, known as the stomach body. In other cases, the cancer develops in the gastroesophageal junction, where the esophagus and stomach are connected. In both cases, cancer cells grow abnormally in the stomach regions. Here are some common causes, symptoms, and management options for gastric or stomach cancer.

Causes
Stomach cancer develops due to genetic mutation or changes in the DNA present in the cells of the stomach. As a result of this mutation, the cells begin to grow faster, causing a tumor to form over time. With the cancer progressing, the number of cancer cells outgrows the number of healthy cells.
As time passes, the cancerous cells in the stomach can progressively invade and harm healthy tissues. The cells penetrate deeper into the stomach and eventually break away from the abdominal area to spread to other body parts during the advanced stages. If cancerous cells migrate to another part of the body, it is known as metastasis. Researchers have yet to learn why the mutation occurs. However, conclusive studies indicate that certain factors increase the risk of gastric cancer. Here are some of the common risk factors.

Family history of stomach cancer
Autoimmune atrophic gastritis
Gastritis
Epstein-Barr virus infection
Infection of the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or (GERD)
History of stomach polyps or stomach ulcers
Excessive consumption of foods that are fatty, salty, smoked or pickled
Consuming meals that lack fruits and vegetables
Prolonged exposure to toxic substances, including coal, rubber, and metallic particles.

In addition to the above, certain genetic conditions can increase the risk of gastric cancer. These conditions include the following.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Lynch syndrome
Familial adenomatous polyposis
Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)
Li-Fraumeni syndrome

Symptoms of gastric cancer
The symptoms are minimal at the initial stages of gastric cancer, making early diagnosis difficult. Symptoms usually start to appear when the cancer has already spread. In the rare event of early-stage stomach cancer symptoms, they usually include the following.

Frequent instances of indigestion
Feeling bloated after eating a meal
Constant heartburn
Experiencing slight nausea
Loss of appetite

Experiencing any of the signs above may indicate the possibility of having gastric cancer. However, it is important to note that these symptoms are not unique to gastric cancer and may also be caused by other digestive and gastrointestinal health issues. To obtain an accurate diagnosis, it is crucial to consult with a primary care physician and specialized doctors, who will conduct various tests and examinations. As the cancer progresses and tumors grow, additional symptoms may become apparent. Patients may experience various symptoms commonly associated with the condition during the advanced stages of gastric cancer.

Severe and chronic abdominal pain
Appearance of blood in the stool
Vomiting or nausea
Difficulty in swallowing foods, particularly dry and solid foods
Skin and eyes start to have a yellowish tint
Swelling in the stomach
Frequent instances of constipation or diarrhea
Fatigue, tiredness, and weakness
Heartburn

Management options for gastric cancer
Gastric cancer can be cured through treatments only if it is detected in the early stages. However, for advanced stages, treatment plans are devised to alleviate the effects of the symptoms and improve the quality of life. The treatment options are based on the location of the cancer, stage of progression, and overall health of the person. Generally, a team of health experts may recommend the following treatment options. In some cases, a combination of treatments is also used.

Surgery: The cancerous cells or tumors are surgically removed using several procedures. This line of treatment is usually adopted when gastric cancer has been detected in the early stages with the cancer cells still restricted to the stomach lining or the stomach and has not spread to the other parts of the body. Surgeries include endoscopic mucosal resection, subtotal gastrectomy, total gastrectomy, and lymph node removal. In the advanced stages, surgery is done to provide relief from the symptoms.
Chemotherapy: This is an intravenous procedure that kills off cancer cells. Chemotherapy is usually done in the advanced stages of gastric cancer. There are several types of chemotherapy procedures. One of the most common types is systemic chemotherapy, which travels through the whole body, killing off cancer cells. Then, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is done right after surgery and administered directly to the stomach. In addition, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is sometimes recommended to be administered before surgical procedures to remove the cancer.
Targeted therapy: Targeted treatments attack certain chemicals found within cancerous cells. These chemicals are blockers, causing the cells to die and the tumors to shrink. This treatment option usually accompanies chemotherapy procedures in the advanced stages.
Radiation therapy: This treatment method uses high-powered energy beams to kill off cancer cells. The beams can be protons, X-rays, or other sources. This procedure is usually done in the advanced stages. During the procedure, a machine is used to direct the beams to precise points of the body where cancer has developed. In some cases, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are done simultaneously through a procedure known as chemoradiation. Radiation therapy can be done before or after surgery. When done before surgery, the goal is to shrink the size of the tumor. This is referred to as neoadjuvant radiation. When the cancer cannot be obliterated even with surgery, it is followed by a radiation therapy procedure. This is adjuvant radiation.
Immunotherapy: This treatment option involves using chemicals to support the immune system in combating cancerous cells. The immune system is made to look for these cells and kill them off. Generally, immunotherapy is administered in the advanced stages or when gastric cancer comes after remission.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.