Diagnosis and Stages of Stomach Cancer
Early diagnosis is key to successfully treating stomach cancer. Diagnostic tests commonly used include:
- Endoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is passed down the throat to look inside the stomach.
- Biopsy: A sample of stomach tissue is taken during an endoscopy to test for cancerous cells.
- Imaging tests: CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays can help doctors see the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other areas.
Once diagnosed, the staging of stomach cancer helps determine the treatment options. Stages range from Stage 0 (when cancer is confined to the inner lining of the stomach) to Stage IV (when the cancer has spread to distant organs such as the liver or lungs).
Treatment Options for Stomach Cancer
The treatment approach for stomach cancer relies on the stage of the disease and the patient’s overall condition. Treatment options include:
- Surgery: Removing part or all of the stomach (gastrectomy) is the most common treatment for stomach cancer.
- Chemotherapy: Medication is used to either kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
- In radiation therapy, cancer cells are targeted and killed with high-energy radiation.
- Targeted therapy: These medications damage cancer cells only, sparing healthy cells.
- Immunotherapy: This medical intervention supports the immune system’s ability to identify and combat cancerous cells.
In cases where the cancer is detected early, surgery alone may be enough to remove the tumor. However, for more advanced stages, a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy may be needed.
Prevention of Stomach Cancer
While not all cases of stomach cancer are preventable, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:
- Maintain a healthy diet: Focus on eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing the intake of processed and smoked foods.
- Avoid smoking: Quitting smoking can dramatically reduce your risk of stomach cancer and many other types of cancer.
- Treat infections: If you’re diagnosed with an H. pylori infection, seeking treatment can reduce your risk of developing stomach cancer.
- Regular screenings: If you have a family history of stomach cancer or other risk factors, talk to your doctor about screening options.
Conclusion
Stomach cancer is a serious disease that often goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage. By paying attention to the early symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly, the chances of successful treatment and survival can significantly increase. Staying informed and aware of your body’s signals is the best defense against this silent killer.
