Stomach Cancer – Challenges in Diagnosis and the Approved Medicines
Stomach cancer often remains hidden for years. With the changing lifestyle, eating habits, and ultra-processed food, the risk of developing stomach cancer doesn’t even spare the young.
Stomach cancer is the 3rd most common cancer and the leading cause of death.
The Challenges in Diagnosis
- • The early symptoms remain silent and are highly difficult to recognize.
- • Non-specific symptoms
- • Symptoms overlapping with other conditions
- • Often called upon due to ageing
What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer is a type of gastric cancer that begins in the lining of the stomach due to prolonged exposure of the inner lining to cancer precursors. 95 percent of stomach cancer starts in the stomach lining and progresses slowly.
Types of Stomach Cancer
- • Adenocarcinoma – Cancer of the stomach lining, the mucosal layer.
- • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors – Cancer caused in the muscle or connective tissue of the stomach wall.
- • Lymphoma – Cancer of the immune cells of the stomach.
- • Carcinoid tumors – Cancer of the hormone cells of the stomach.
- • Squamous cell cancer – Cancer in the cells of the stomach wall.
- • Small cell cancer – A cancerous tumor that develops in conjunction with other tumors due to metastasis.
Risk Factors of Stomach Cancer
- • Age and sex – stomach cancer usually occurs in men, aged above 65 years.
- • Diet and lifestyle – ultra-processed food, poor diet, drug abuse, obesity.
- • H. pylori infection
- • Family history of stomach cancer
- • Long-term inflammation – gastritis
- • Untreated stomach ulcers, polyps
- • Exposure to substances like coal, metals, and rubber
- • Several genetic conditions
- • Autoimmune gastritis
Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
- • Unusual weight loss
- • Trouble swallowing
- • Tiredness
- • GIT upset
- • Dark stool
- • Blood in vomiting
- • Loss of appetite
- • The stomach feels full after a small meal.
- • Stomach pain in the upper abdomen
Treatment & Medicines for Stomach Cancer
Surgery
- • Removing the tumor
- • Partially removing the part of the stomach
- • Removal of the entire stomach
Chemotherapy
Used before and after surgery to kill cancer cells and shrink the tumor, or when surgery is not possible.
- • Cycokast – Cisplatin
- • Carbokast – Carboplatin
- • Docekast – Docetaxel
- • Oxazer – Oxaliplatin
Treatment by Radiation
The beam of radiation is used to shrink the tumor. Gama rays, X-rays, or high-intensity photons.
Targeted Therapy
Includes drugs that directly target the cancer cells without harming healthy cells, offering fewer side effects.
Immune-Therapy
To boost the immune system and its functioning.
Supportive Care
To relieve the symptoms or the after-effects of cancer therapy. Example- anti-vomiting drugs, fever drugs, and pain killers.
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