Stomach Cancer Treatment

Stomach Cancer Treatment

Stomach cancer is a serious type of cancer that usually starts in the stomach lining and can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the symptoms of stomach tumors and the treatment of stomach cancer with the Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI), the best institution in Iraq for cancer treatment.

Stomach cancer:

Stomach cancer often begins when healthy cells grow uncontrollably in the mucous membrane lining the stomach, forming a mass of cancerous cells known as a tumor. Over time, these cells spread to other layers of the stomach. Since this type of stomach cancer typically grows slowly, it may take years to develop.

Stomach cancer causes:

1. Stomach cancer develops when a genetic mutation occurs in the DNA of stomach cells. DNA is the code that tells cells when to grow and when to die. Due to the mutation, cells grow rapidly and ultimately form a tumor instead of dying. Cancerous cells outgrow healthy cells and may spread to other parts of the body.
2. Many people wonder about the causes of stomach cancer. However, specific causes have not been identified. Nevertheless, some factors may increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. Some of these factors include:
• Smoking.
• Age over 50 or 60 years.
• Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.
• Alcohol consumption.
• Overweight or obesity.
• Pernicious anemia (low red blood cells).
• Chronic gastritis.
• Family history of stomach cancer.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus).

Stomach cancer stages:

Stomach cancer staging is part of the diagnostic process. It indicates how advanced the cancer is, describing the size of the tumor, its location, and how far it has spread. Staging helps determine the best treatment and follow-up care for you.
There are 5 stages of gastric cancer, from 0 to 4, with lower numbers indicating less spread of the cancer and easier treatment. These stages are also referred to as 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4.
• The scale starts at stage 0, where there are abnormal cells, or some cancer cells present in the mucous membrane (the inner lining of the stomach). This stage is also known as localized cancer.
• In stage 1 of stomach cancer, which is an early stage, the tumor has spread from the mucous membrane layer to the next layers of the stomach. It is unlikely to have spread to nearby lymph nodes, but it may have spread to one or two nearby lymph nodes, without affecting other parts of the body.
• In stage 2 of stomach cancer, the cancer has spread to other layers of the stomach. It may have spread to nearby lymph nodes but has not yet spread to other organs or distant lymph nodes.
• In stage 3 of stomach cancer, the cancer has spread to additional layers of the stomach and nearby lymph nodes. It may also have spread to other tissues near the stomach.
• In stage 4 of stomach cancer, the cancer has spread to other organs or distant lymph nodes. Stage 4 is also known as metastatic stomach cancer, which is the final stage. It begins when cancer cells spread throughout the body via the lymphatic system or blood.

What are the early symptoms of stomach cancer?

• Many wonder about the early symptoms of stomach cancer or what a stomach cancer patient might feel. However, the early symptoms of stomach cancer are often unclear.
• Early symptoms of stomach cancer rarely appear, which means that diagnosis often occurs when the condition is more advanced. The tumor may cause symptoms as it grows larger.
• Symptoms of stomach cancer usually begin once the tumor has grown large enough. Some early symptoms experienced by patients include:
1. Nausea.
2. Vomiting.
3. Changes in appetite.
4. Abdominal bloating.
5. Heartburn.
6. Indigestion.
7. Persistent discomfort in the abdomen.
8. Abdominal pain or discomfort.
It is advisable to consult the best doctors for stomach cancer treatment in Iraq at the Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) if experiencing any of these symptoms for the most accurate diagnosis.

Advanced stomach cancer symptoms:

• Advanced stomach cancer means that the growth that originated in the stomach has spread to another part of the body. Some people experience symptoms of advanced stomach cancer when they are first diagnosed, or the cancer returned and spread after treatment.
• Symptoms of advanced stomach cancer depend on which part of the body the cancer has spread to. The most common place for stomach cancer to spread is the liver. It can also spread to lymph nodes, the tissue lining the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and the lungs.
• You may experience a range of general symptoms when you have stomach cancer. Symptoms of malignant stomach cancer may include:
1. Unexplained weight loss.
2. Black stools containing blood. 
3. The feeling of sickness.
4. Stomach pain.
5. Dysphagia.
6. The feeling of tiredness.
7. Feeling full after eating a small amount of food.

Symptoms of benign stomach tumor:

• A benign tumor in the stomach is a non-cancerous growth that does not spread or metastasize to other parts of the body. Benign tumors are generally not life-threatening and are usually removed surgically. They typically do not recur or come back.
• Most benign gastric tumors are asymptomatic, but in very rare cases, symptoms of benign gastric tumors are epigastric pain, gastric outlet obstruction, and bleeding.
• Many benign stomach tumors are discovered incidentally during a gastroscopy procedure. Small tumors are usually asymptomatic, but large tumors can show symptoms of benign stomach tumors when they ulcerate and cause occult bleeding and anemia.
  

Symptoms of stomach and esophageal cancer:

• Stomach and esophageal cancer present as malignant tumors in the tissues of the stomach or esophagus. It is a slow-growing cancer that may develop over several years before symptoms are felt.
• Esophageal cancer is often found where the esophagus meets the stomach. If not detected early, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes and through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.
• Stomach cancer can spread through the stomach wall to nearby organs, such as the liver, pancreas, colon, or esophagus. It can also spread through the lymphatic system to lymph nodes or through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, such as the lungs.

In the early stages, stomach and esophageal cancer may not show symptoms and is often not diagnosed until it becomes more advanced.
Symptoms of stomach and esophageal cancer, or symptoms of epigastric cancer, include:
• Pain or burning sensation in the abdomen.
• Ascites.
• Vomiting.
• Frequent burping.
• Dysphagia.
• Painful swallowing.
• Significant weight loss.
• Hoarseness.
• Coughing or coughing up blood.
• Pain behind the chest bone.
• Heartburn (reflux).
• Vomiting saliva, food, or blood.
Symptoms of stomach and esophageal cancer are common in many other medical conditions. If any of these symptoms appear and persist, it is important to seek advice from the best doctors for stomach cancer treatment in Iraq at the Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI).

Symptoms of stomach cancer in children:

Stomach cancer in children is an extremely rare cancer that begins in the cells lining the stomach. Many children do not experience symptoms of stomach cancer until the cancer has spread. It is important to consult your child’s doctor if your child has any of the following symptoms:
• Stomach pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weight loss for no known reason.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Weakness.
• Anemia (symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and pale skin).
These symptoms may be caused by conditions other than stomach cancer in childhood. The only way to determine this is to visit your child’s doctor. The doctor will ask when the symptoms began and how often they occur in your child as the first step in diagnosis. Therefore, it is important to consult the best cancer treatment hospital in Iraq, which is the Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI).

Symptoms of stomach cancer caused by Helicobacter pylori:

• A common type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori can cause an infection in the stomach. Sometimes, this infection leads to ulcers. It can also increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.
• Although the exact way Helicobacter pylori enters the body is not well understood, researchers believe that this spiral-shaped bacterium may enter through the mouth. It then burrows into the mucous lining of the stomach.
• The stomach bacteria can lead to inflammation of the stomach lining, which is why you may experience stomach pain or feel nauseous. If left untreated, it can cause painful ulcers and open sores in the stomach lining that can lead to bleeding.
• Helicobacter pylori infection does not always cause symptoms. you might not feel ill at all. However, in some people, the infection may cause symptoms such as:
1. Pain or heartburn in the intestines.
2. Stomach pain that gets worse if you don't eat.
3. Lack of appetite.
4. Nausea.
5. Frequent belching.
6. Bloating or gas.
7. Unusual weight loss.
Consult your doctor immediately if you notice the following. They could be signs of an ulcer:
1. Severe stomach pain that doesn't go away.
2. Inability to swallow.
3. Bloody stools.
4. Bloody or dark coffee-like vomiting.

Stomach cancer treatment:

The treatment for stomach cancer depends on the type of stomach cancer, its size, location, spread, and the patient’s overall health. It usually involves surgery and chemotherapy and may also include radiation therapy or immunotherapy.

1. Stomach cancer surgery:

There are different types of stomach cancer surgeries. The type depends on the stage and location of the cancer.
Types of stomach cancer surgeries include:
• Partial gastrectomy – The surgeon removes a part of the stomach.
• Total gastrectomy – The surgeon removes the entire stomach.
• Esophagectomy – The surgeon removes the stomach and part of the esophagus.
Sometimes, especially in the very early stages of the disease, a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure aimed at removing stomach cancer can eliminate the cancer. One of the modern techniques used at Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) is the Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) technique, which removes the superficial tumors from the stomach wall. Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) is committed to providing the latest treatment methods to cure patients.

2. Chemotherapy for stomach cancer:

• Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs (cytotoxic agents) to destroy cancer cells. The drugs travel through the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.
• The patient may receive chemotherapy before or after surgery. If he has advanced-stage cancer, he might also undergo chemotherapy to alleviate symptoms.
Symptoms of chemotherapy for stomach cancer:
Chemotherapy drugs attack rapidly dividing cells in the body, which can lead to side effects. These effects depend on the type of drugs, their dosage, and the duration of treatment. Side effects of chemotherapy may include:
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Hair loss.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Mouth sores.
• Increased chance of infection (from lack of white blood cells).
• Easy bleeding or bruising (from lack of platelets).
• Fatigue and shortness of breath (from lack of red blood cells).

3. Immunotherapy for stomach cancer:

Immunotherapy drugs help the immune system detect and destroy cancer cells more effectively. It is typically used in cases of recurrent or advanced cancer and can be combined with chemotherapy for treating advanced stomach cancer. The primary function of the immune system is its ability to distinguish normal cells and avoid attacking them using Immune checkpoint proteins(ICP). Cancer cells exploit these checkpoints to evade immune attacks.

Is stomach cancer a serious disease?

• If you are diagnosed with stomach cancer, you may have questions about how serious the cancer is and your chances of survival. The potential outcome of the disease or its likely course is called the prognosis.
• The prognosis for stomach cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, including whether it is confined to the stomach or has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, as well as the overall health.
• When stomach cancer is detected early, there is a better chance of cure. In advanced stages, stomach cancer can be treated, but it is rarely curable.

The cure rate for stomach cancer:

• Many patients wonder how long someone with stomach cancer might live. The cure rate for stomach cancer is also known as the survival rate for stomach cancer.
• Doctors assess the prognosis for stomach cancer patients using statistics collected over many years from individuals with the disease. One commonly used statistic for determining prognosis is the 5-year relative survival rate.
• The 5-year relative survival rate for stomach cancer patients reflects the percentage of survivors compared to the general population. For example, the survival rate for patients with metastatic (advanced) stomach cancer is 7%, meaning that 7 out of every 100 individuals survive for 5 years. This rate is much lower than that for people without stomach cancer.
• The 5-year relative survival rates for different stages of stomach cancer are:
1. 75% for localized stomach cancer (cancer confined to the stomach only).
2. 35% for regional stomach cancer (cancer spreading outside the stomach to lymph nodes or nearby organs).
3. 7% for metastatic stomach cancer (cancer spreading outside the stomach to a distant part of the body).

Does stomach cancer lead to death?

Stomach cancer can be fatal if not detected early. However, it can be curable if discovered early. Unfortunately, stomach cancer is often diagnosed only after it has spread to the lymph nodes or other organs.

Is it possible to cure stomach cancer?

• Doctors sometimes consider stomach cancer to be in remission if the cancer remains inactive for at least 5 years. Complete remission means that all your cancer tests come back negative.
• Doctors often wait five years before considering cancer to be cured, as most recurrences happen during this period. Recurrences are particularly likely to occur within the first two years.

The difference between gastritis and stomach cancer:

1. The main difference between gastritis and stomach cancer is that gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, while stomach cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that begins in the stomach.
2. Additionally, gastritis results from damage or weakness in the mucous barrier protecting the stomach lining, whereas stomach cancer arises from changes in the DNA of stomach cells.
3. Gastritis is a risk factor for stomach cancer. Both conditions can cause similar symptoms, such as abdominal pain, a feeling of fullness after eating, and so on.

Stomach cancer pain:

• Many wonder what a stomach cancer patient feels or what the pain is like. Traditional stomach cancer pain is often a dull ache in the middle of the stomach. Certain factors may exacerbate or alleviate the pain.
• The pain associated with stomach cancer is usually constant, and it can worsen over time. Cold foods, such as iced drinks or ice cream, may provide temporary relief from the pain. In some patients, the pain may be persistent.

Causes of vomiting in stomach cancer patients:

Many patients with advanced cancer experience nausea and vomiting. The causes include:
1. Some people may have more than one cause of nausea, and it may not always be directly related to the cancer itself. For example, you might experience nausea if you have an infection.
2. Stomach cancer can cause a blockage in the stomach, preventing food from passing through the digestive system and leading to nausea. The presence of blood in the vomit is rare; if it is bright red, it indicates recent bleeding. If it is dark brown, the blood has been in the stomach for a while.
3. Stomach cancer medications can cause nausea and vomiting, such as chemotherapy for stomach cancer and some other treatments.

Does stomach cancer affect men and women differently?

• It is important to look for signs of stomach cancer in adults over the age of 55. However, it most commonly affects those in their sixties or seventies.
• While it is important to note that men are about twice as likely as women to develop stomach cancer, there is no evidence suggesting that the symptoms of stomach cancer differ significantly between men and women.

Can a blood test detect stomach cancer?

• Blood tests do not detect stomach cancer but can provide clues about overall health. However, blood tests can offer the doctor insights into the patient's health and the condition of organs, such as the liver, which may be affected if the stomach cancer has spread.
• Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing can detect fragments of tumor DNA in the bloodstream. This test is one type of blood test that can be useful in advanced cases of stomach cancer where a biopsy cannot be performed to determine the type of tumor. It provides information that helps in planning treatment.

Stomach cancer presents a significant challenge in the medical field, requiring early detection and effective treatment to improve survival chances. The best institution for cancer treatment in Iraq is the Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) in Karbala.