TYPES OF STOMACH CANCER

Adenocarcinoma (Most Common)

• Origin: Starts in the mucus-producing glandular cells of the stomach lining.
• Prevalence: Accounts for 90-95% of all stomach cancers.
• Subtypes:
  • Intestinal Type: Grows slowly and forms gland-like structures.
  • Diffuse Type: Grows more aggressively and spreads throughout the stomach wall.
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Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)

• Origin: Begins in specialized cells of the stomach wall (interstitial cells of Cajal), which are part of the digestive tract’s nervous system.
• Prevalence: Rare but can occur anywhere in the digestive tract, including the stomach.
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Lymphoma

• Origin: Develops in the lymphatic tissue of the stomach, which is part of the immune system.
• Types:
  • MALT Lymphoma: Associated with Helicobacter pylori infection.
  • Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: More aggressive type.
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Carcinoid Tumors

• Origin: Arise from hormone-producing cells in the stomach lining.
• Characteristics: Often grow slowly and are less likely to spread to other parts of the body.
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Origin: Rare type that starts in the squamous cells (flat cells lining the stomach).
• Characteristics: Often more aggressive.
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Small Cell Carcinoma

• Origin: A rare and aggressive form of neuroendocrine cancer.
• Characteristics: Similar to small cell lung cancer, with rapid growth and high likelihood of spreading.
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Leiomyosarcoma

• Origin: Begins in the smooth muscle cells of the stomach.
• Prevalence: Very rare.
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Key Points

• Adenocarcinoma is by far the most common type of stomach cancer.
• The type of stomach cancer determines the treatment and prognosis, with some types being more aggressive than others.
• Early detection is critical for effective management of all types of stomach cancer.

tomach cancer, or gastric cancer, develops due to changes in the DNA of stomach cells, causing them to grow uncontrollably. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Causes

• Genetic Mutations: Damage to the DNA of stomach cells can trigger cancerous growth. These mutations may occur due to environmental, dietary, or hereditary factors.
• Chronic Inflammation: Long-term irritation or inflammation of the stomach lining can lead to cancer.
• Helicobacter pylori Infection: Infection with this bacterium is a significant cause of chronic gastritis and increases the risk of stomach cancer.
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Risk Factors

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors (Cannot Be Changed)

Age:

• • Most cases occur in people over 50, with higher prevalence in those over 65.
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Gender:

• • Men are more likely than women to develop stomach cancer.
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Family History:

• • A family history of stomach cancer or inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome increases risk.
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Genetic Mutations:

• • Inherited mutations in genes like CDH1 or syndromes like Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC).
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Ethnicity and Geography:

• • Higher rates are seen in East Asia, Eastern Europe, and parts of South America.
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Previous Stomach Surgery:

• • Surgery for non-cancerous conditions like ulcers may increase risk.
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Modifiable Risk Factors (Can Be Changed)

Infection with Helicobacter pylori:

• Chronic infection with this bacteria increases the risk of both gastric ulcers and cancer.

Diet:

Diets high in:

Salted, smoked, or pickled foods (e.g., smoked fish, salted meats).

Low intake of fruits and vegetables.

Nitrates and nitrites in processed foods can also increase risk.

Smoking:

• • Smoking damages the stomach lining and significantly increases cancer risk.
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Alcohol Use:

• • Heavy alcohol consumption irritates the stomach lining, contributing to risk.
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Obesity:

• • Excess weight, especially abdominal fat, is linked to higher cancer risk.

Occupational Exposure:

Jobs involving exposure to chemicals like coal, rubber, or asbestos may increase risk.

Medical Conditions

Chronic Gastritis:

• • Long-term inflammation of the stomach lining.
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Pernicious Anemia:

• • A condition causing reduced absorption of vitamin B12, leading to chronic irritation.

Gastric Polyps:

• • Certain types of polyps, like adenomas, increase the risk.
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Barrett’s Esophagus and GERD:

• • Although more linked to esophageal cancer, these conditions may slightly increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Preventive Measures

• Reducing exposure to modifiable risk factors like smoking, unhealthy diets, and excessive alcohol can significantly lower the risk of stomach cancer.
• Treating H. pylori infections early can also reduce the likelihood of chronic gastritis and cancer development.

Key Point

Having one or more risk factors does not guarantee stomach cancer will develop, but understanding these risks can help with early detection and prevention.

TREATMENT

The treatment for stomach cancer depends on the stage, location, and type of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. The goal is to remove the cancer, prevent its spread, and alleviate symptoms. Treatments often involve a combination of approaches.