Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a malignant condition that affects the cells of the stomach’s inner lining. It is a complex and multifactorial disease, with several causes and risk factors involved in its development.
Causes and risk factors
The exact causes of gastric cancer are not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified. Some of the main factors include:
- Helicobacter pylori infection: a bacterium that can cause chronic inflammation in the stomach lining and increase the risk of developing cancer.
- Poor diet: excessive consumption of processed foods, deficiency of fruits and vegetables, high consumption of red meat and smoked or preserved foods can contribute to the development of gastric cancer. The disease is also related to excessive alcohol consumption and obesity.
- Smoking: smoking increases the risk not only of lung cancer, but also of gastric cancer.
- Family history: people with first-degree relatives who have had gastric cancer are more likely to develop the disease.
How does it occur?
Gastric cancer can develop over many years, going through different stages. It usually begins with changes in the cells of the stomach lining, which can turn into pre-cancerous cells and later into cancerous cells. The presence of the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, as well as the excessive consumption of smoked, salty and fatty foods, can increase the risk of developing this disease.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The symptoms of gastric cancer can vary, and often only become evident in advanced stages. Some common signs include:
- Persistent abdominal pain and discomfort.
- Loss of appetite and rapid feeling of fullness during meals.
- Frequent nausea and vomiting.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Unexplained anemia and fatigue.
The diagnosis of gastric cancer usually involves a combination of tests, including upper digestive endoscopy, biopsy of the suspected tissue, imaging tests such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and blood tests to detect tumor markers.
Treatment
The treatment of gastric cancer depends on the stage of the disease, location of the tumor, patient’s age and overall health status. Treatment options may include:
- Surgery: surgical removal of the tumor is often performed, along with the removal of affected lymph nodes. This may involve partial or total removal of the stomach.
- Chemotherapy: the administration of anticancer drugs may be indicated to destroy cancer cells or control tumor growth. It can be used before or after surgery, or as palliative treatment in advanced stages.
- Radiotherapy: the use of high-energy radiation can be employed to destroy cancer cells or reduce the size of the tumor, either before or after surgery.
In addition to medical treatment, adequate nutritional support, supportive therapy and psychological follow-up are essential to ensure the patient’s overall well-being and improve quality of life.
Conclusion
Gastric cancer is a serious disease, but advances in early diagnosis and treatment have improved the prognosis and survival of patients. It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek regular medical follow-up, especially for those with risk factors. In addition, adopting a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and the reduction of harmful habits, can help in the prevention of gastric cancer.
Awareness of risk factors, the adoption of healthy eating habits, quitting smoking and seeking medical assistance in the face of persistent symptoms are important measures in the prevention and early diagnosis of this condition. With timely diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan, it is possible to increase the chances of recovery and offer a better quality of life to patients.