Gastric cancer, also referred to as stomach cancer, is a condition resulting from the growth of abnormal cells in the stomach. Gastric cancer can cause loss of appetite, trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, heartburn, indigestion, and more. Untreated cancer can allow for tumours to grow deeper in the stomach walls and spread to other organs.
Consult with the best oncologists for gastric cancer treatment at the CK Birla Hospital.
Gastric cancer usually starts in the stomach lining and gradually progresses, causing a range of symptoms from mild to severe. It results from a genetic mutation in the DNA of the stomach cells. Factors like family history, gastritis, history of stomach ulcers, obesity, smoking, and excess alcohol are associated with increased gastric cancer risk. Timely and early intervention is crucial to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and avoid spreading to other parts or organs.
Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma is the most prominent type of gastric cancer. It starts in the glandular cells lining the stomach.
Gastrointestinal Stomach Tumours: This type of tumour starts from the nerves found in the wall of the stomach. Gastrointestinal stromal tumours are a type of soft tissue sarcoma.
Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a type of gastric cancer that starts in the immune cells in the stomach walls.
Carcinoid Tumours: This type of tumour develops in the neuroendocrine cells, which are found in many parts of the body.
Surgery: Surgical treatment involves removing precancerous cells, tumours, part of the stomach or all of the stomach. Surgery involves gastrectomy, upper endoscopy, etc.
Chemotherapy: Involves using drugs to shrink tumours and kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is also combined with other treatment options.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy involves using X-rays to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy also helps relieve symptoms.
Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy involves using drugs to precisely identify and attack cancer cells by targeting the proteins that control their growth.
Immunotherapy: Treatment procedure helps the immune system identify and destroy cancer cells that may be hard to detect.
Surgery: Typically costs ₹3,50,000 to ₹9,00,000
Chemotherapy: Costs around ₹1,00,000 to ₹3,50,000 per cycle (multiple cycles often needed)
Radiation Therapy: Can range from ₹1,50,000 to ₹5,00,000 depending on technology and sessions
Targeted Therapy: Ranges between ₹2,00,000 to ₹12,00,000+ annually, based on specific drugs
Immunotherapy: Costs approximately ₹5,00,000 to ₹20,00,000+ per year depending on treatment duration
Note: The above costs are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the severity of the allergy, the specific treatment plan, the healthcare facility, and geographic location.
Metastasis: The major complication is the spread of cancer, which can invade nearby organs like the pancreas, liver, colon, or oesophagus.
Chronic Bleeding: A growing tumour can erode the blood vessels in the stomach lining, leading to anaemia, vomiting blood, etc.
Perforation: In severe cases, the tumour can cause a hole in the stomach wall, causing pain, fever and increasing the risk of infection.
Obstruction: An untreated tumour can grow and obstruct the stomach, making digestion difficult, severe malnutrition, etc.
Upper Endoscopy: Allows for removing a tissue sample & diagnosing stomach cancer.
MRI: The test allows for the identification of tumours and other cancer-related abnormalities.
PET Scan: To identify the spread of cancer in the body.
Blood Test: Helps detect anaemia & other conditions, detecting signs of gastric cancer.
Gastritis is generally not considered dangerous and can be managed with treatment.
Yes, gastric cancer is curable if detected and treated in the early stages.
Various tests help diagnose gastric cancer, like upper endoscopy, biopsy, blood test, CT scan, MRI, PET scan, etc.
Yes, gastric cancer can be hereditary.
Stomach cancer can be prevented by avoiding smoking, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, watching for signs of abnormalities, and more.
