Demystifying Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, medically known as gastric cancer, begins in the lining of the stomach. It often develops slowly over many years. The stomach plays a crucial role in digestion, breaking down food before it enters the intestines.
What is Stomach Cancer?
Various factors contribute to stomach cancer. Chronic infection with H. pylori bacteria, a family history of the disease, smoking, diet high in salty or smoked foods, and certain genetic factors increase the risk.
Causes & Risk Factors
Symptoms can be vague initially, including abdominal discomfort, indigestion, and a feeling of fullness after eating. Later stages may bring more severe symptoms like unexplained weight loss and vomiting. Diagnosis involves endoscopy, biopsies, and imaging tests for confirmation.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Adenocarcinoma, the most common type, begins in the cells lining the stomach. Other types include lymphoma, originating in the immune system tissues, and GIST, found in the stomach's connective tissues.
Types of Stomach Cancer
Staging helps determine the extent of cancer spread. The TNM system assesses tumor size (T), lymph node involvement (N), and metastasis (M). Early stages offer better treatment outcomes compared to advanced stages.
Staging & Progression