Stomach cancer – causes, early symptoms, treatment

Stomach cancer is a serious disease that can have serious consequences for patients’ health.

In this article, we will discuss the causes, early symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and treatments for stomach cancer.

Stomach cancer – symptoms. what are the first symptoms of stomach cancer?

Gastric cancer in its early stages may be asymptomatic or may present with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea or loss of appetite. However, as the disease progresses, more characteristic symptoms may appear, such as:

• Pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back.
• Digestive problems, heartburn and indigestion.
• Loss of weight and appetite.
• Burping.
• Vomiting, sometimes with blood.
• The black, tarry capital.

If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or someone else, it is worth consulting your doctor.

Stomach cancer pain: how does stomach cancer hurt?

The pain of stomach cancer may vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the initial stages, it may be abdominal pain, which is mild and resembles digestive problems. As the disease progresses, the pain may become more intense and chronic, and may radiate to other parts of the body, such as the back.

Stomach cancer – diagnosis

Diagnosis of stomach cancer is crucial for effective treatment. The most important diagnostic tests are:

• Gastroscopy – endoscopic examination of the stomach, allowing direct observation and taking biopsy specimens.
• Imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which help determine the severity of the disease.
• Laboratory tests, including the determination of tumor markers.

Based on the results of these tests, your doctor can make a diagnosis and assess how advanced your stomach cancer is.

Stomach cancer – causes

The causes of the development of stomach cancer are complex and multifactorial. However, there are certain risk factors that may increase your chances of getting the disease, such as:

• Helicobacter pylori infection.
• Smoking tobacco.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• A diet rich in processed products and low in vegetables and fruits.
• Family history of stomach cancer.

It is worth striving for a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups to reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Stomach cancer – prognosis. how long do you live with stomach cancer? is stomach cancer curable?

The prognosis for stomach cancer depends on many factors, such as the stage of the disease, the patient’s age and his or her overall health. Unfortunately, in advanced cases, the prognosis is usually less favorable, and stomach cancer is often resistant to treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improve prognosis.

Stomach cancer can be treated with various methods, depending on the stage of the disease. This may include surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or therapies that target specific molecular changes in the cancer cells. Treatment is usually comprehensive and requires the cooperation of a team of doctors.

Stomach cancer – treatment

Treatment for stomach cancer is tailored to the patient’s individual needs and may include:

• Surgical removal of the tumor.
• Chemotherapy.
• Radiotherapy.
• Therapies targeting specific molecular changes.
• Symptomatic treatment, such as control of pain and digestive symptoms.

It is important that the patient cooperates with the doctor and follows the treatment recommendations.

Your suggestions

If you have any suggestions or questions about stomach cancer, please consult your doctor or oncology specialist. Remember that early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the patient’s prognosis.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about stomach cancer, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “Stomach cancer – prevention and healthy lifestyle.”
• “What is rehabilitation like after gastric cancer treatment?”
• “Psychological support for patients with stomach cancer.”

It is worth being well informed about this disease and taking appropriate preventive measures.