Health A-Z

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, can present with various symptoms depending on the stage and location of the tumor. Here's an overview.

1. Early-stage symptoms: These might be subtle and nonspecific, often resembling symptoms of other gastrointestinal conditions. They may include indigestion, heartburn, bloating after eating, mild nausea, loss of appetite, and a feeling of fullness even after consuming a small amount of food.

2. Advanced-stage symptoms: As the cancer progresses, symptoms become more pronounced and may include persistent vomiting, unintentional weight loss, abdominal pain or discomfort, difficulty swallowing, black or bloody stools, fatigue, and weakness.

Treatment for gastric cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, its location, and the overall health of the patient. It often involves a combination of therapies, including:

1. Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue (partial or total gastrectomy) is a common treatment option, especially for early-stage gastric cancer.

2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth and is often used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor or destroy any remaining cancer cells.

3. Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and may be used in combination with chemotherapy, either before or after surgery.

4. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy drugs are designed to specifically target cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells. They may be used in combination with other treatments, particularly for advanced gastric cancer.

5. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs help the body's immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. They are sometimes used in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer.

6. Palliative care: In cases where the cancer is advanced and cannot be cured, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms, improving quality of life, and providing emotional support.

1. Physical examination: A doctor may conduct a physical exam to check for any abnormalities in the abdomen, such as lumps or swelling.

2. Medical history and symptoms review: The doctor will inquire about your medical history and any symptoms you're experiencing.

3. Imaging tests: Various imaging tests may be used to visualize the stomach and surrounding tissues. These can include:

   • Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach to examine the lining of the stomach.
   • CT scan: This imaging test provides detailed cross-sectional images of the stomach and nearby structures.
   • MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to obtain detailed images of the stomach and surrounding areas.
   • PET scan: Positron emission tomography (PET) scan can help determine the extent of cancer spread by detecting areas of increased metabolic activity.

4. Biopsy: During an endoscopy, the doctor may take small samples (biopsies) of suspicious tissue for examination under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.