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WHAT IS STOMACH CANCER?

The stomach is located around the midway point of the digestive tract, with the mouth, throat and esophagus above it and the small intestines, colon and anus below it. For the past several decades, rates of stomach cancer appear to be declining. The stomach is made of different layers. The mucosa is the innermost layer. It makes stomach acid and the enzymes that digest food. Most stomach cancers start in the mucosa. There’s also a thick muscle layer that helps mix up food.

  • Adenocarcinoma – forms in the inner layer of the stomach.
  • Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) – GIST forms in cells inside the stomach wall called the interstitial cells of Cajal.
  • Carcinoid tumours – Forms through the cells in the stomach that make hormones.

Some common symptoms are:

  • Feeling bloated or full after eating small amounts
  • This may be similar to heartburn or indigestion.
  • Nausea and vomiting. Sometimes, the vomit may contain blood.
  • Stomach pain
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Age – More common in people older than 55 years old
  • Gender – Affect men twice as often as women
  • Genetics – Individuals who have inherited BRCA1 & BRCA2 genetic mutations are at an increased risk of stomach cancer.
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Infections
  • Treatment

Types

  • Adenocarcinoma – forms in the inner layer of the stomach.
  • Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) – GIST forms in cells inside the stomach wall called the interstitial cells of Cajal.
  • Carcinoid tumours – Forms through the cells in the stomach that make hormones.

Symptoms

Some common symptoms are:

  • Feeling bloated or full after eating small amounts
  • This may be similar to heartburn or indigestion.
  • Nausea and vomiting. Sometimes, the vomit may contain blood.
  • Stomach pain
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Unexplained weight loss

Factors

  • Age – More common in people older than 55 years old
  • Gender – Affect men twice as often as women
  • Genetics – Individuals who have inherited BRCA1 & BRCA2 genetic mutations are at an increased risk of stomach cancer.
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Infections
  • Treatment

Diagnosis

Diagnosing stomach cancer includes:

X-ray

That highlights the abnormal part of the bone on its location, size, and shape of bone tumour.

Computed tomography (CT) scan

To reveal detailed images of your abdomen. These tests help our doctors determine where the cancer is in the stomach and whether it has spread to other abdominal organs.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

To help doctors stage stomach cancer.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

To help doctors determine the stage of the disease and whether it has spread.

Biopsy

To determine whether cancer cells are in the stomach.

Ultrasound

Used if the fluid is found in your abdomen and to check for tumours that have spread to other organs.

Staging

Stomach cancer staging progresses from stage 0 to stage 4, where the tumor starts in the mucosa and gradually invades deeper layers, reaching the serosa and potentially spreading to nearby organs and distant sites:

Treatment

Treatment options for stomach cancer require comprehensive and innovative diagnostic imaging to determine appropriate treatment for each patient. Treatment options for stomach cancer inclusive of:

Surgery

To remove all of cancer and a margin of healthy tissue including relevant lymph nodes.

Radiotherapy

to kill any cancer cells that might remain after stomach cancer surgery, alleviate pain and stop bleeding or shrink tumours that may be blocking the digestive tract.

Chemotherapy

To shrink tumour to make surgery easier and improve the outcome of treatment.

Targeted therapy

For patients with advanced stomach cancer whose cancer cells tested positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).

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Information

Visiting Hours:
10:00 – 22:00
General Line:
+603 7620 7979 +603 7787 2992
Consultants Appointment Line:
+603 7118 7878 +6012 328 6913
Email:
info@beaconhospital.com.my
Career Enquiries / HR:
joinus@beaconhospital.com.my
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Beacon Hospital Sdn. Bhd.

200301019556 (621976-D)
1, Jalan 215, Seksyen 51,
Off Jalan Templer,
46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

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