This article provides essential information about stomach cancer, including the main types, risk factors, and treatment options for advanced stages. It emphasizes early detection and lifestyle changes that can reduce risk, offering valuable insights for overall health management.

Understanding Stomach Cancer: Common Questions

Stomach cancer often develops slowly with few early symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. Precancerous changes in the stomach lining precede malignant growth. Unlike liver or colon cancers, gastric cancer primarily affects the stomach, and when it spreads beyond, it is classified as stage IV or metastatic disease. Recognizing these factors is crucial for early intervention and better outcomes.

What are the main types of stomach tumors?

Adenocarcinoma: Represents about 90-95% of cases, originating from the stomach’s inner lining cells.

Lymphoma: Develops from immune tissue, with treatment effectiveness depending on lymphoma subtype.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): Rare tumors in the stomach wall, arising from interstitial cells of Cajal, varying in malignancy.

Carcinoid Tumors: Originating from hormone-secreting cells, these seldom metastasize.

Which factors increase the risk of advanced gastric cancer?

Age: Most cases are diagnosed in individuals over 55, particularly in their 60s and 70s.

Gender: Men face about a 50% higher risk compared to women.

Family history: Genetics play a role, especially if there is a history of stomach cancer or inherited syndromes.

Obesity: Excess weight boosts the chance of developing gastric cancer.

What are the treatment options for metastatic stomach cancer?

When cancer spreads beyond the stomach, curative approaches are often limited. Treatment aims to extend survival and improve quality of life through palliative care such as chemotherapy and radiation. Surgery is generally reserved for symptom control rather than cure.

How can the risk of advanced stomach cancer be minimized?

Maintain a healthy weight: Helps prevent obesity-related cancer risks.

Balanced diet: Reducing salty and preserved foods while increasing fruits and vegetables can lower risk.

Stop smoking: Tobacco use significantly raises the likelihood of stomach and other cancers, especially in the upper stomach region.