Stomach Cancer

Overview

Stomach cancer otherwise known as gastric carcinoma constitutes as third major cause of death due to malignancy worldwide. Its prognosis tend to be poor, with cure rates less than 5-10%. Gastric carcinoma is actually an eminently curable disease provided that it is detected at an earlier stage and managed appropriately with target- specific therapy.

Signs and Symptoms

Indigestion, Persistent nausea and vomiting, Abdominal pain, Dysphagia, Early satiety, Bloating and distension, Malena, Hematemesis, Drastic weight loss, Loss of appetite, Anemia, Mass at stomach area felt

Common Causes

Gene mutation

Risk Factors

Helicobactor pylori infection, Diet high in smoked and salted food, Diet low in fruits and vegetables, Family history of gastric cancer, Smoking, Alcohol, Stomach polyps, Chronic gastritis

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, Serum electrolytes, Liver function test, Tumour markers: Carcinoembryogenic antigen (CEA), CA 19-9(diagnostic and prognostic), Endoscopy with tissue biopsy, Chest X-ray: distant metastasis, Abdominal Computed tomography (CT) , Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI), FNAC of lymph nodes

Treatment and Prevention

This can be prevented by regular exercise, eating more vegetables and fruits, cessation of smoking, reduce alcohol intake, lessen intake of smoked and salty food, regular follow up for those with polyps and chronic gastritis or gastric ulcer for early detection and management. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment: Total gastrectomy, Esophagogastrectomy, Subtotal gastrectomy, Lymph node dissection, Palliative surgery. Chemotherapy: Platinum-based combination chemotherapy, Trastuzumab in combination with cisplatin and capecitabine or 5-FU, Ramucirumab, Pembrolizumab. Palliative care.