What is stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is cancer that begins in the cells of the stomach. It usually develops slowly over many years and starts showing symptoms in its advanced stages. The most common type is adenocarcinoma, which starts in your glandular cells that line the inside of the stomach, says a stomach cancer doctor in Kolkata.

Stomach cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages. However, in later stages, it can cause a range of symptoms. Some of the symptoms of stomach cancer include :

1. Abdominal pain or discomfort 2. Nausea and vomiting 3. Feeling full even after eating little 4 . Unintentional weight loss 5. Loss of appetite 6. Difficulty swallowing 7. Indigestion or heartburn 8. Blood in the stool 9. Vomiting blood

Some of the known risk factors for stomach cancer have been listed below by the best oncologist in Kolkata.

1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection : This bacterium is known to cause inflammation and ulcers in the stomach, which can lead to an increased risk of stomach cancer. 2. Family history : Having a family history of stomach cancer can enhance the risk of developing this disease. 3. Age : The risk increases as you grow older, with most cases occurring in people over the age of 50. 4. Gender : Men are more likely to develop stomach cancer than women. 5. Smoking : People who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer. 6. Diet : A diet high in salt, smoked and pickled foods and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of stomach cancer. 7. Previous stomach surgery : People who have had surgery to remove part of their stomach are at an increased risk of developing stomach cancer. 8. Pernicious anaemia : This condition causes a decrease in vitamin B12 levels, which can increase the risk of stomach cancer. 9. Obesity : Being obese or overweight can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Here are some of the common treatments for stomach cancer :

1. Chemotherapy : A chemotherapy doctor in Kolkata says that it uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It may be used before or after surgery to help shrink the tumour or to destroy any cancer cells that remain after surgery. 2. Radiation therapy : This therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery or in combination with chemotherapy. 3. Targeted therapy : Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. 4. Immunotherapy : Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It may be used in combination with other treatments. 5. Surgery : Surgery is another treatment for stomach cancer. The surgeon will remove part or all of the stomach, depending on the location and size of the tumour.