Stomach Cancer

Early-stage stomach cancer rarely causes symptoms. As the disease progresses, it may manifest itself through one or more of the following:

• A feeling of fullness after eating only small amounts of food (early satiety)
• Poor appetite and unexplained, sudden weight loss
• Vague discomfort or pain in the abdomen, usually just above the navel
• Severe heartburn, indigestion, or ulcer-like symptoms
• Persistent nausea and unexplained vomiting
• Vomiting blood or noticing blood in the stool (making it appear black or tarry)
• Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen
• Weakness and fatigue, often due to anemia (low red blood cell count from hidden bleeding)

The exact cause of stomach cancer is not completely understood, but several risk factors are known to increase the likelihood of developing it:

• H. Pylori Infection: Long-term infection of the stomach with Helicobacter pylori bacteria is a major cause of stomach cancer, as it leads to chronic inflammation and ulcers.
• Diet: Diets high in smoked, salted, and pickled foods are strongly linked to an increased risk, while eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables lowers the risk.
• Gender & Age: It is more common in men than in women, and the risk increases significantly for those over the age of 60.
• Tobacco & Alcohol: Smoking increases the risk of stomach cancer, particularly for cancers of the upper portion of the stomach near the esophagus.
• Previous Surgery: People who have had part of their stomach removed to treat non-cancerous diseases like ulcers have a higher risk.
• Familial/Genetics: Inherited genetic syndromes such as Lynch syndrome, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), or Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) significantly increase risk.
• Pernicious Anemia: A condition where the stomach cannot properly absorb vitamin B12, which can lead to stomach lining changes.

Detecting stomach cancer early is vital for effective treatment. Based on symptoms, a doctor will recommend the following standard tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• Upper Endoscopy (EGD): Considered the gold standard for diagnosing stomach cancer. A gastroenterologist passes a thin, flexible tube equipped with a tiny camera (endoscope) down your throat and into your stomach. This allows the doctor to visually inspect the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine for any tumors, ulcers, or abnormal areas.
• Biopsy: If an abnormal looking area is found during the endoscopy, the doctor can pass special surgical tools through the tube to extract a small tissue sample. A pathologist then examines this tissue under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
• Imaging Tests (CT Scan / EUS): Once cancer is confirmed, imaging tests like a CT scan of the abdomen or an Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) are performed. These help the surgeon determine the stage of the cancer—how deeply it has invaded the stomach wall and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs.