Gastric Cancer

Causes

• Helicobacter pylori Infection: Infection with this bacterium increases the risk of
  developing gastric cancer.
• Family History: Having a family member with gastric cancer increases the risk.
• Dietary Factors: Consuming a diet high in salty, smoked, or pickled foods.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk.
• Smoking: Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of gastric cancer.
• Stomach Polyps: Certain types of stomach polyps may increase the risk of gastric
  cancer.
• Chronic Gastritis: Long-term inflammation of the stomach lining.

Symptoms

• Abdominal Pain: Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
• Indigestion: Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Especially after meals.
• Unintended Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without trying.
• Loss of Appetite: Decreased appetite and feeling full quickly.
• Bloody Stools: Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak.
• Swelling: Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen.

Types

• Adenocarcinoma: Most common type, originates in the cells lining the stomach.
• Lymphoma: Develops in the lymphatic tissue of the stomach.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): Rare, arise from specialized cells in the
  stomach wall.
• Carcinoid Tumors: Rare, arise from hormone-producing cells in the stomach.

Diagnosis

• Endoscopy: Using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the
  stomach.
• Biopsy: Removing a sample of stomach tissue for examination under a microscope to
  confirm cancer.
• Imaging Tests: CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, and PET scan to visualize the stomach and
  detect tumors.

Treatment

• Surgery:
  • Gastrectomy: Removal of part or all of the stomach.
  • Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of nearby lymph nodes.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells, used before or after surgery.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific abnormalities in cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to fight cancer.

Prevention

• Helicobacter pylori Eradication: Treatment for H. pylori infection if present.
• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Limit Salt and Preserved Foods: Reduce intake of salty, smoked, or pickled foods.
• Maintain Healthy Weight: Avoid obesity and maintain a healthy weight.
• Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quit smoking to reduce the risk of gastric cancer.