What is stomach cancer? Early symptoms and treatment?

Stomach cancer is quite a common malignancy today because of an unhealthy lifestyle, lack of science. The disease is easy to spread and causes high death because the symptoms of early stomach cancer are vague and nonspecific. Therefore, early recognition of warning signs of stomach cancer is the basis for building an effective treatment, increasing the chances of a patient's healthy life.

1. What is stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer is a condition in which cells in the stomach grow abnormally, out of control, resulting in tumors. When it progresses, the melanoma can spread around and spread to many other distant organs, causing many negative health effects, even death.

Stomach cancer poses many health dangers if it is not treated early

Stages of stomach cancer:

• Stage 0: Carcinoma, cancer cells located in the lining of the stomach.

• Stage 1: Cancer cells invade the second layer of the stomach, not yet spread to other organs.

• Stage 2: Cancer under muscle, cancer cells have invaded through the lining of the stomach.

• Stage 3: Cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes and distant organs.

• Stage 4: Cancer has spread throughout the body, low chance of life.

2. The earliest warning signs 

The early stage of stomach cancer may appear asymptomatic or have some symptoms, but it is usually not obvious. Most cases are detected when cancer cells have spread to other organs, during a physical exam or periodic medical examination.

7 warning signs of 

• Abdominal pain appeared in waves, became more and more severe and did not go away even with medication.

• Abdominal swelling, unusual bloating after eating with a feeling of discomfort, nausea.

• Heartburn.

• Lose weight quickly.

• Have black or bloody stools in the stool

• Anorexia, difficulty swallowing, feeling of food being stuck in the throat.

• Vomiting of blood.

If one of the above symptoms appears, the patient should proactively examine immediately to promptly diagnose and treat more effectively. Avoid the case of subjective ignoring the abnormal manifestations of the body, causing severe disease progression and difficult treatment.

The warning signs of stomach cancer are feelings of bloating, irritability, heartburn, and nausea

3. The causes of stomach cancer

  3.1. Causes of stomach cancer

• Precancerous lesions: Atrophy of the gastric mucosa; cells in the lining of the stomach morphologically change like those in the intestine and colon (intestinal metaplasia); gastric mucosa cells change structure, get rid of the body's control (paradoxical).

• HP bacteria (Helicobacter pylori): Causes stomach ulcers and destroys the stomach lining, causing precancerous lesions.

• Obesity: People who are obese are more susceptible to stomach cancer than normal people, especially cancer of the heart.

• Genetics: The genetic rate of atrophic gastritis gene from mother to child is 48%. In addition, genetic mutations of E - cadherin gene (CDH1) or genetic syndromes such as polyps, hereditary colorectal cancer without polyp are also linked to stomach cancer.

• Blood type: People with blood type A are more prone to stomach cancer than blood types O, B, and AB.

• Stomach surgery: People with a history of stomach surgery have a high risk of stomach cancer, especially about 15 to 20 years after surgery.

• Age: The older you get, the higher the risk of stomach cancer, especially after the age of 50.

• Gender: Men have 2 times higher rates of stomach cancer than women.

3.2. Subjects at high risk of stomach cancer

There are many factors that increase the risk, including:

• A salt-rich diet such as salted fish meats, bacon, pickled vegetables, grilled meats, etc.

• Eat moldy, poorly preserved foods.

• Have malignant anemia.

• Smoking, drinking a lot of alcohol.

• Have stomach polyps (small, benign tumor).

• Long-term gastritis.

4. Diagnosis and treatment of stomach cancer

Gastroscopy helps detect stomach abnormalities

4.1. Diagnose

- Clinical examination: Based on the symptoms that the patient is suffering from.

- Preclinical examination:

• Endoscopy with a flexible bronchoscope.

• Abdominal ultrasound.

• Ultrasound endoscopy of the stomach.

• Stomach biopsy.

• Computerized tomography.

• A complete blood test (CBC) or stool test.

• Tumor markers: CEA, CA 72-4 and CA 19-9.

• Blood test

4.2. Treatment

• Surgery: The doctor will remove part or all of the stomach. This is the main treatment for early stomach cancer.

• Chemotherapy: Destroy and prevent the growth of cancer cells.

• Radiation therapy: Using radiation rays to kill cancer cells.

• Targeted therapy: Also a drug-based cancer treatment, but the drug here targets specific genes or proteins found in cancer or related cells that involve tumor growth.

• Immunotherapy: Using drugs that affect the patient's immune system, helping to destroy cancer cells.

5. Effective prevention 

• Maintain ideal weight, lose weight if obese.

• Exercise regularly.

• Develop a scientific diet rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.

• Limit canned foods, processed foods that are high in fat and salt.

• Quit smoking, limit alcohol and do not use drugs.

• If you have stomach diseases, you need to examine early and treat thoroughly.

• Good examination and treatment of polyps, benign tumors in the stomach.

Developing a scientific and nutritious diet is an effective way to prevent stomach cancer

In particular, periodic stomach cancer screening after the age of 50 is the best preventive measure. Currently, CarePlus International Clinic System offers many screening packages that help to detect cancer risk as soon as possible.

The stomach cancer screening package includes items such as: Visit a gastroenterologist; diagnostic imaging through gastroscopy including chlorine test; cancer marker test: CA 72.4, CA 19.9, and blood test. These examination items are performed by a team of experienced doctors with the support of modern equipment that gives the most accurate analysis results.

The package is affordable, suitable for many people. The examination process is quick, no need to wait. After the visit, the doctor will consult carefully about the health status, advice on diet, lifestyle, or necessary medical interventions if needed. 

Stomach cancer is highly fatal, so it is advisable to proactively prevent the disease by eating well and screening regularly. Early detection of factors will help to treat effectively.

For more information, please contact:

• Hotline: 1800 6116

• Email: info@careplusvn.com

• Fanpage: CarePlus Clinic Vietnam