Stomach Cancer - Types, Diagnosis & Other Treatment Options

By Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan in Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care , Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Oncology Program

Apr 24 , 2023 | 4 min read

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the stomach lining. It typically grows slowly over several years and can spread to surrounding organs, including the liver, pancreas, and small intestine. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving the chances of recovery.

Key Facts:

Stomach cancer is more common in individuals over the age of 60.
It can often be detected through symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent nausea, and abdominal pain.
The disease is most often diagnosed in the later stages due to the absence of early symptoms.

Types of Stomach Cancer

Adenocarcinoma: The most common type, which begins in the glandular cells lining the stomach.
Lymphoma: A cancer of the immune system that starts in the stomach’s lymphatic tissue.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): Rare tumors that start in the muscle layers of the stomach.

Bone Marrow Transplant in Stomach Cancer Treatment

Bone marrow transplants are generally not the first-line treatment for stomach cancer, but they may be used in certain cases where cancer has spread to the bone marrow or in cases of related blood cancers, like lymphoma.

Process:

Autologous transplant: The patient's own stem cells are harvested and reintroduced after chemotherapy.
Allogeneic transplant: Stem cells are donated by a match, often used when the patient's own stem cells are not viable.

When It's Used: Bone marrow transplants may be considered if the cancer has metastasized to the bone marrow or if the patient has a related blood cancer.

Stem Cell Transplantation (SCT) for Stomach Cancer

In rare cases, stem cell transplantation (SCT) may be used to treat stomach cancer. SCT helps regenerate healthy blood cells after chemotherapy or radiation therapy, especially in cancers that affect the bone marrow.

Types:

Autologous SCT: The patient’s own stem cells are used.
Allogeneic SCT: Stem cells from a donor are used, often in cases of advanced stomach cancer or related blood cancers.

SCT is typically used when stomach cancer is diagnosed at a more advanced stage and when other treatment options (like chemotherapy) have had limited success.

Stomach Cancer Diagnosis

Diagnosing stomach cancer involves several tests and procedures to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its stage:

Upper Endoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to visually inspect the stomach and collect tissue samples (biopsy).
Biopsy: Tissue samples are tested for cancer cells to confirm the diagnosis.
Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans help determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Staging: After diagnosis, staging tests will determine how far the cancer has spread, which will guide treatment options.

Treatment Options for Stomach Cancer

Treatment for stomach cancer depends on the stage of cancer, its location, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Common treatment options include:

Surgery:

Partial Gastrectomy: Removal of part of the stomach if the tumor is localized.
Total Gastrectomy: Removal of the entire stomach in advanced cases.
Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of surrounding lymph nodes to check for spread.
Chemotherapy: Often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells or as the primary treatment for advanced cancer.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to target and shrink tumors, particularly for cancers that have spread.
Targeted Therapy: Medications that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth. These therapies can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts the body's immune system to fight cancer cells.

Personalized Treatment Plans: Every patient’s cancer is different. Treatment plans will vary based on the patient’s overall health, cancer stage, and tumor characteristics.

Conclusion

Stomach cancer, when detected early, has a higher chance of successful treatment. A variety of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and emerging therapies, provide a comprehensive approach to managing and treating this disease. It's crucial for patients to consult with oncologists to develop a personalized treatment plan and understand the best course of action.

Encouraging Early Detection: Regular screenings and paying attention to early symptoms can help detect stomach cancer at a stage when it’s more treatable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are The Common Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?

Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, persistent nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, and blood in stool.

2. Can Stomach Cancer Be Prevented?

While it's not always preventable, lifestyle changes like avoiding smoking, managing H. pylori infection, and eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk.

3. What is The Survival Rate for Stomach Cancer?

Survival rates depend on the cancer stage at diagnosis. Early-stage stomach cancer has a higher survival rate compared to advanced stages.

4. Is Chemotherapy Always Needed for Stomach Cancer?

Not all patients need chemotherapy. It’s typically used if surgery isn’t possible or if cancer has spread beyond the stomach.

5. Who Treats Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer is treated by a team of specialists, including oncologists (cancer doctors), gastroenterologists (digestive health specialists), surgeons (for surgery), and radiologists (for imaging and treatment guidance). They work together to create a personalized treatment plan.