In stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, cancer cells begin to develop in the stomach’s inner lining. They grow deep into the stomach walls as cancer advances more. Below, an oncologist discusses the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of stomach cancer.
Causes of Stomach Cancer
According to a cancer surgeon in Kolkata, stomach cancer occurs when there is a genetic change or mutation in the DNA of the stomach cells. It is the code that instructs the cell to grow and die. The mutation causes the cells to grow fast and form a tumour without dying. The cancer cells overtake the person’s healthy cells and metastasize or spread to other body parts.
Some factors that increase the risk of mutation and the chances of stomach cancer are listed below.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Stomach polyps or stomach ulcers
- Gastritis
- Smoking and chewing tobacco
- Drinking alcohol
- Autoimmune atrophic gastritis
- Obesity
Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer
Following are some tests that help in diagnosing stomach cancer.
- Biopsy
The best cancer doctor in Kolkata recommends a biopsy to diagnose stomach cancer. During a biopsy, a small amount of tissue will be removed to be evaluated for cancer by a pathologist.
- Endoscopy
In an endoscopy, the doctor will insert a thin, light, flexible tube through your mouth, down to the stomach. The doctor then inspects the stomach to check for any signs of cancer.
- CT or CAT scan
A CT scan will take pictures of the body’s insides taking X-rays from various angles. These three-dimensional, 3D images will display abnormalities such as tumours. It can also be used to diagnose the size of the tumour.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
An MRI makes use of magnetic fields to produce detailed images of your body. This is a useful test to detect the stage of stomach cancer.
- Laparoscopy
A laparoscopy is a small surgery in which the surgeon inserts a laparoscope in your abdominal cavity. It is a test to find out whether the stomach cancer has started to spread.
Treatment for Stomach Cancer
An oncologist in Kolkata discusses below the treatments for stomach cancer.
- Surgery
A stomach cancer surgery will include the removal of your tumour and some of the surrounding healthy tissues. The surgery varies depending on the stage of cancer.
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It keeps the cancer cells from growing and dividing.
- Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy works with high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses the natural defenses of the body to fight cancer by improving the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is the treatment that targets the specific genes, tissues, and proteins that contributes to the survival and growth of cancer.
We have mentioned above the causes, diagnosis, and treatment for stomach cancer. To prevent the progression of stomach cancer, you must get an early diagnosis and treatment.
