Gastric cancer is often not detected until it has reached an advanced stage because its symptoms mimic those of minor digestive issues, such as bloating, nausea, or heartburn. However, recognizing the early signs and early detection are crucial to improving the chances of recovery. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can be more aware of your risk of gastric cancer and take early preventive measures.
What is Gastric Cancer?
Gastric cancer is a disease where cells in the stomach wall grow abnormally and uncontrollably, forming malignant tissue (tumors) that can invade surrounding tissue or spread to other organs such as the liver, lungs, and lymph nodes.
Simply put, the stomach has layers of tissue, from the inner lining (mucosa), where food is digested, to the muscular layer that helps move food along. In stomach cancer, abnormal cell growth usually begins in the mucosal layer and then slowly spreads to deeper layers over time.
Types of Gastric Cancer
Most cases of stomach cancer are adenocarcinomas, which originate from the glandular cells on the inner surface of the stomach. There are also several other, less common types, such as:
- Gastric lymphoma , which is cancer that originates from the immune system cells in the stomach wall.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) originate from the supporting muscle tissue of the stomach.
- Neuroendocrine tumors , which grow from hormone-producing cells in the stomach.
Gastric cancer is often difficult to detect in its early stages because its symptoms mimic common digestive issues, such as heartburn, nausea, or a feeling of fullness. However, early detection of gastric cancer is crucial, as the chances of recovery are much higher when detected before the cancer spreads.
Early Symptoms of Gastric Cancer to Watch Out For
Stomach cancer often develops slowly and doesn't show any typical symptoms in the early stages. However, recognizing the early signs can help with early detection and improve the chances of recovery. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen
Pain, burning, or discomfort in the pit of the stomach (upper abdomen) is the most common symptom. Many people assume this is just a symptom of an ulcer or acid reflux. However, if symptoms persist despite treatment, it's best to see a doctor to determine the exact cause. - Nausea, vomiting, or feeling full quickly
Tumors in the stomach can interfere with digestion and cause nausea, frequent vomiting, or a feeling of fullness more quickly than usual, even after only eating a small amount. This condition occurs because the stomach space becomes narrower due to the growth of the cancerous mass. - Weight loss for no apparent reason
If you lose weight drastically without dieting or exercise, this could be a sign of a metabolic disorder caused by cancer. With stomach cancer, the body loses appetite and has difficulty digesting food, resulting in significant weight loss in a short period of time. - Vomiting blood or dark stools
These symptoms indicate bleeding in the stomach. Vomited blood may appear bright red or resemble coffee grounds, while stools may appear tarry and black (melena). This condition requires immediate medical attention, as it can be dangerous if left untreated. - Fatigue and anemia
Continuous blood loss from the stomach can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which can cause paleness, fatigue, and dizziness. If someone experiences chronic fatigue without an obvious cause, a blood test may be necessary to detect anemia due to stomach cancer.
Steps to Prevent Gastric Cancer
Gastric cancer can actually be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and paying attention to daily habits. Here are some simple steps that can help reduce the risk:
- Reduce consumption of salty and processed foods
Excessive consumption of foods preserved with high salt content, such as salted fish, sausages, smoked meats, or canned foods, can damage the stomach lining. The salt and preservatives can trigger inflammation and, in the long term, increase the risk of stomach cancer. - Maintain a balanced and fiber-rich diet
Increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as they contain antioxidants and fiber, which protect stomach cells from damage. Fresh foods also help the digestive system function better and prevent the buildup of harmful substances in the stomach. - Quit smoking and limit alcohol
The chemicals in cigarettes can enter the bloodstream and affect the cells in the stomach lining, while excessive alcohol can irritate the stomach lining. Avoiding both not only reduces the risk of stomach cancer but is also good for overall health. - Regularly check your stomach health, especially if you have risk factors.
If you have a history of Helicobacter pylori infection , frequently experience stomach ulcers, or have a family history of stomach cancer, you should have regular checkups such as an endoscopy or blood test. Early detection can help detect stomach abnormalities before they develop into cancer.
By implementing the preventive measures above, you can maintain stomach health and reduce the risk of developing cancer in the future.
How to Treat and Cure Gastric Cancer
Treatment for gastric cancer requires adjustments to the stage of the disease, the patient's physical condition, and the extent of cancer cell spread. The goal is to remove or control cancer growth while maintaining the patient's quality of life. Some treatment options include:
- Surgery (Gastrectomy)
Removing some or all of the stomach tissue infected with cancer cells. This is usually performed in the early to intermediate stages. - Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
Given before or after surgery to reduce the size of a tumor, kill remaining cancer cells, or reduce the risk of recurrence. - Immunotherapy or Targeted Therapy
Used in advanced cancer cases to help the body's immune system recognize and fight cancer cells more specifically.
The Role of Quadra PET/CT Scan in Gastric Cancer
Gastric cancer often develops silently, with symptoms similar to common heartburn, making accurate diagnosis key to appropriate treatment. At EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital, we utilize cutting-edge Quadra PET/CT Scan technology, which plays a vital role in the comprehensive evaluation of gastric cancer.
This technology not only provides anatomical images of organs but also detects the metabolic activity of cancer cells with high sensitivity. This allows doctors to precisely differentiate between healthy and malignant tissue, accurately determine the stage of the cancer, and evaluate the response to chemotherapy or radiation treatment in real time to ensure the effectiveness of the therapy.
The unique value of the Quadra PET/CT Scan is its ability to detect spread (metastasis) to other organs often missed by conventional examinations. In one quick, full-body scan, this device can detect whether cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes, liver, or lungs, allowing treatment strategies to be tailored for optimal results. Don't ignore persistent digestive problems or drastic weight loss. Schedule your examination now at EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital for medical certainty and comprehensive oncology services.
Don't Ignore Symptoms: Early Detection of Gastric Cancer
Stomach cancer often begins with mild, seemingly insignificant symptoms, such as a feeling of fullness, nausea, or heartburn. However, if these symptoms persist without a clear cause, don't ignore them. Our bodies often give us signals when something is wrong, and recognizing these signals early can save lives.
Start being more aware of changes in your body, especially if you experience unexplained weight loss, feel full quickly, or frequently feel weak. Don't delay consulting a doctor, especially if symptoms persist for more than two weeks. Regular checkups and early detection, such as through an endoscopy or PET/CT scan, can help detect problems before they develop into more serious cancers. Remember, the sooner you catch them, the better your chances of recovery.
This article was written by Dr. Dedy G. Sudrajat, Sp. PD, KGEH, FINASIM (Internal Medicine Specialist – Consultant Gastro Entero Hepatology, EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).