Stomach tumor or gastric cancer is a condition when cells multiply quickly in the stomach. The stomach is an organ in the form of a bag. And plays a pivotal role in the digestion of food. Food is broken into fine particles by the stomach and this helps in proper digestion of food particles.
Stomach tumor can occur in any part of the stomach,but is mainly confined to the stomach inner lining. Once you chew the food, it is drawn into the esophagus. It is a long, svelte, and muscular tube. The esophagus transports food from the throat into the stomach. Gastroesophageal junction connects the esophagus to the stomach. Gastro oesophageal junction (GOJ) cancer is one type of cancer.
Stomach tumor is considered the fifth most common cancer that prevails globally. In 2020, nearly 1.1 million people were infected with this condition. Men are diagnosed two times more as compared to women with stomach cancer. Besides, heavy drinking and smoking are associated with a greater risk of acquiring stomach tumors. Medical history and hereditary factors play a critical role also. If someone in your family has had this ill-health, your risk of acquiring this condition is high. By knowing these causes, we can take suitable steps to reduce your risk and live a healthy life.
What Is a Stomach Tumor?
When there is an uncontrolled growth of cells in the stomach and it forms a hard mass of unhealthy cells, this signals the start of stomach cancer. This condition mainly starts in the inner lining of the stomach. Stomach cancer is a rare form of cancer, and if not treated on time it can make a person aggressive and treatment in the later stages difficult. Regular diagnosis and an early detection play a pivotal role in improving the prognosis of stomach tumors.
This ill-health progresses slowly over many years. Stomach cancer starts 95% of the time in the stomach lining and progresses slowly. It can make mass from tumor cells in the stomach. The tumor can outspread in the other parts of the body organs such as liver, pancreas etc.
Types of Stomach Tumor
1) Non-cancer tumor:
- Also known as benign tumor. It is a growth which does not spread to other parts of the body. This condition is not life-threatening. Once removed, they do not grow again.
2) Cancer tumor:
- Also referred to as malignant. Here, cancer cells multiply in an uncontrolled manner. These types of cells spread rapidly to nearby tissues and remaining parts of the body.
Causes
Stomach cancer is a rare condition and certain factors are known to cause it. Some of these are:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: It affects the lining of the stomach. This can cause chronic inflammation. And an increase in the risk for gastric cancer mainly in the stomach lining.
- Chronic Gastritis: An infection from H. pylori, autoimmune conditions, and exposures related to environmental matters can cause this.
- Family history of stomach cancer: If this condition persists in family members, it can be a concern for the entire family and raise the risk for each individual.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption: Excess intake of these products is an invitation for the risk factors of stomach cancer. Both of these cause harm to the stomach lining.
- Dietary habits: A high diet of fatty, salty, smoked, and pickled food increases the risk for stomach tumors. Salt, when consumed in excess, also damages the stomach lining. Processed food, red meat that is rich in nitrates, and nitrites also pose a risk.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to dangerous materials risks acquiring this condition, and these include, asbestos and coal dust.
Symptoms
Symptoms of stomach tumor vary and depend on the stage and its location. Some common symptoms linked with the condition are given below:
- Continued indigestion and irritation: Persistent stomach upset, bloating, and irritation in the upper abdomen are the initial signs. These symptoms may come and go over and again.
- Loss of appetite: This is a common symptom and can be due to the tumor itself or as a side-effect of the treatment.
- Abdominal pain: A sharp pain mainly in the upper abdomen is likely to be a sign that the cancer is in the advanced stages. This pain may be significant as the tumor advances and attacks close tissues.
- Nausea and vomiting: Persistent nausea sometimes with blood is another concerning symptom. It can be due to a blockage on behalf of the tumor or reddening of the stomach lining.
- Unaccountable weight loss: This may be visible as cancer advances and adversely affects the ability to eat and digest food particles.
- Black stools: Bleeding in the gastrointestinal may show blood in the stool (black and tarry stools) or in vomit. The vomit may show up as dark and coffee-like. This may be more prominent in the advanced stages of tumor.
- Feeling tired: Extreme fatigue is another common symptom of stomach tumors. This is more visible in the later stages of the condition as the person may feel anemic due to internal loss of blood from the tumor. It may decrease the oxygen supply needed by the blood and cause fatigue.
- Heartburn: As the chance of tumor interrupting normal stomach function is high and it can lead to acid reflux. This can make heartburn a potent sign of stomach cancer.
Treatment Options
Stomach cancer treatment is more likely to be effective if the cancer only affects the stomach. People who have minor stomach problems are least likely to acquire this condition. Most people are aware about this condition when the disease has advanced. This can greatly make the treatment process less effective.
An overview of the treatment for stomach tumor is given below:
1) Surgery:
- The end goal of this medical procedure is to remove cancer cells in the early stages.
- The degree of surgery relies on: tumor’s size, its location, and whether it is confined or has spread to surrounding lymph nodes.
- The surgery may involve removing part of the stomach or complete removal as the case may be.
2) Chemotherapy:
- Drugs are used here that stop the spread of cancer cells. It is recommended before or after the surgery. It makes it easy to decrease the tumor, stop spread of remaining cancer cells, or decrease the danger of recurrence.
3) Radiation:
- Targeted beams in the form of high-energy X-rays are employed to kill cancer cells. May be used prior to surgery to decrease the tumor or post surgery to get rid of remaining cancer cells.
4) Immunotherapy:
- Drugs are used here that help the body to fight cancer cells. Examples include checkpoint inhibitors that can intensify the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells.
5) Palliative Care:
- This is a type of support care whose purpose is to improve the overall health of patients who are victims for this condition.
- This treatment focuses on management of pain, pinpointing the side effects of stomach cancer treatment and giving emotive and mental support to patients.
Cost of the Treatment
In India, this medical procedure might cost anywhere between Rs 2,00,000 to Rs 5,00,000. “Atithi Devo Bhava” is a social awareness campaign on behalf of the Indian government. And this campaign is meant to make India a popular tourism destination. One can plan his or her treatment in the country due to a number of hospitals offering cost-effective treatment, and a team of well-trained doctors and support staff.
Cost-related factors include:
- The stage and location of cancer
- Type of surgery
- Hospital location if it is in a metro city or a small city
- Patient’s age
- Health condition of the patient
- An extended hospital stay
- Post-operative aftercare and dressing
Preventive Tips
By sticking to a healthy lifestyle and going for regular medical checkups, you are less likely to acquire this ill-health.
Lifestyle habits:
- Do not smoke tobacco products.
2. Avoid or minimize your alcohol consumption.
3. Eat gluten free and nutritious food.
4. Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
Diet:
- Include fruits, whole grains, carotenoids, green and leafy vegetables in your diet.
2. Try to decrease the intake of processed meats, smoked, pickled, and salted meals.
Medical care:
- Regular medical exams and screenings are crucial for better health.
2. Use antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori infection.
3. Inform your doctor if stomach cancer runs in the family.
Conclusion
Besides, prevention of stomach cancer is not totally avoidable, but you can decrease your risks. An early detection and a reduction in dietary risk factors positively reduce the risk factors.
All of the below are crucial in the treatment plan.
- Proper diagnosis
- Regular consultation with the healthcare provider
- A positive attitude from the patient
If you notice any visible symptoms of stomach cancer, consult with your doctor. Discuss with your healthcare professional, who will offer a better treatment alternative following a detailed and thorough examination.
