It is a disease caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the lining of the stomach. It usually begins in the stomach lining and can spread over time. Stomach cancer Symptoms include weight loss, stomach pain, nausea and loss of appetite. Early diagnosis increases the chance of treatment. Risk factors include unhealthy diet, smoking and family history. Treatment is with surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?
Mild or severe pain may be experienced, especially in the upper abdomen. These pains may increase after meals. The person may experience a decrease in their desire to eat and weight loss. In the advanced stage, serious weight loss becomes noticeable. Early symptoms may include a feeling of bloating after eating and constant indigestion. Nausea and sometimes bloody vomiting may occur after eating. This may indicate bleeding in the stomach wall. Difficulty swallowing may occur, especially if there is a tumor development in the area close to the esophagus.
In cases where bleeding is towards the stomach, the stool may be black and tarry in color. Stomach cancer Iron deficiency anemia may develop in the body due to this. This increases the feeling of tiredness and weakness. Anemia may occur as a result of continuous stomach bleeding. This may manifest itself with symptoms such as pale skin and dizziness. Symptoms such as jaundice (if there is liver metastasis), severe pain, swelling in the abdomen and fluid accumulation (acid formation) are seen in the advanced stage. These symptoms may not be specific to cancer. Similar symptoms can also be seen in other stomach disorders such as gastritis and ulcers. Therefore, it is important to see a gastroenterologist if you have long-term complaints. Early diagnosis increases the success of treatment.
What Causes Stomach Cancer?
A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori damages the stomach lining. This can cause chronic gastritis. Long-term presence of this bacterium can stomach cancer It may increase the risk of developing. Frequent consumption of salty, smoked or processed foods may increase the risk. In addition, inadequate consumption of vegetables and fruits weakens the body's protective mechanisms against cancer. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage the stomach mucosa and lead to it. This risk is higher in individuals who smoke. A family history of this condition may increase the risk due to genetic predisposition. Some genetic syndromes and mutations may be effective in the development of this disease. Long-term gastritis damages the stomach mucosa. Conditions such as atrophic gastritis also cause changes in stomach cells that can turn into cancer.
Stomach polyps or other stomach disorders can increase the risk of developing cancer in the long term. Adenomatous polyps are particularly risky in this regard. Stomach cancer It is usually more common in people over the age of 50 and is more common in men than in women. Chemicals such as nitrite are converted into cancer-causing nitrosamines in stomach acid. Frequent exposure to these substances can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Being overweight can increase the pressure on the stomach, which can lead to cancer. Stress can damage stomach tissue by increasing stomach acid. Long-term stomach acid reflux can damage the stomach lining. To prevent cancer, it is important to develop healthy eating habits and stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Early diagnosis increases the likelihood of successful treatment of cancer.
How Is Stomach Cancer Treated?
The stomach or part of the stomach may be removed to completely remove the tumor. Drug treatment is applied to destroy or shrink cancer cells. High-energy rays are used to target and destroy cancer cells. Treatments are applied with special drugs that prevent the spread of cancer.
Immunotherapy strengthens the immune system and helps it fight cancer. Supportive treatment is applied to improve the quality of life in the later stages. The treatment method is determined according to the stage of the disease and the general health status of the patient.
