Stomach cancer is a serious disease that can present in various forms. The main categories include adenocarcinoma, lymphomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and neuroendocrine tumors. Although the incidence rates have decreased in recent decades, it remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are vital for improving prognosis.
Types of Stomach Cancer:
• Adenocarcinoma: The most common type of stomach cancer, originating from the epithelial cells of the mucosa. It accounts for about 90% of gastric cancers.
• Lymphomas: These cancers arise from immune system cells in the stomach lining. Gastric lymphomas are rare but significant due to their distinct management.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST): These tumors originate from stromal cells in the gastrointestinal system and can be either benign or malignant.
• Neuroendocrine Tumors: These tumors originate from the neuroendocrine cells in the stomach and can vary in behavior, ranging from slow-growing to more aggressive tumors.
Causes and Risk Factors:
Factors that increase the risk of stomach cancer include:
• Infection with Helicobacter pylori.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Diet high in salted and smoked foods.
• Smoking and alcohol use.
• Chronic gastric inflammation.
Symptoms:
Symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of the tumor and may include:
• Pain in the upper abdomen.
• Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss.
• Nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness after small meals.
• Anemia due to bleeding from the tumor.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is made through gastroscopy with biopsy, which histologically confirms the type of tumor. Complementary tests include CT scans and endoscopic ultrasound to assess the extent of cancer both locally and in other parts of the body. Accurate identification of the tumor type is crucial for determining the appropriate therapeutic approach.
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer and includes:
• Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR): This can be performed for cancers confined to the mucosa without ulceration. Recently, larger tumors can be removed through endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).
• Surgical resection of the tumor.
• Chemotherapy and radiotherapy to treat cancer before or after surgery.
• Targeted therapies and immunotherapy for specific forms such as GISTs and lymphomas.
Prognosis:
The prognosis depends on the stage of diagnosis and the type of cancer. Early diagnosis and personalized treatment can improve the outcome.
