Stomach cancer occurs when cells lining the stomach start to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour. The stomach is a part of the digestive tract that helps process nutrients in foods and helps remove waste material from the body. Cancer disrupts these digestive processes and makes it difficult for the organ to carry out its functions properly.
According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, stomach cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the world (4th most common in men and 7th most common in women). What's interesting about the disease is that it progresses in stages, and each stage comes with different sets of symptoms and complications.
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Stages Of Stomach Cancer
According to Dr Abhinav Narwariya, Consultant - Medical Oncology, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, just like all other cancers, stomach cancer also has four stages:
- Stage 1 is when the tumour is localised in the stomach.
- Stage 2 is when the tumour is localised in the stomach but has grown inside the muscle layer.
- Stage 3 is when the tumour spreads to adjacent organs.
- Stage 4 is when the tumour has spread to other distant organs of the body.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) suggests, "Cancer stage describes the extent of cancer in the body, such as the size of the tumour, whether it has spread, and how far it has spread from where it first formed. It is important to know the stage of the stomach cancer to plan the best treatment."
A Stage-by-Stage Look at Symptoms
Dr Narwariya says that the initial stages of stomach cancer can be asymptomatic, which can make it difficult to detect the disease early, leading to delayed treatment.
However, if symptoms occur, here's a list, categorised by stage:
Early-stage symptoms:
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Feeling bloated after eating
- Mild nausea or occasional vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Later-stage symptoms:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Stomach pain or discomfort, especially in the upper abdomen
- Frequent vomiting, sometimes with blood
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling full even after eating a small amount of food
- Fatigue and weakness
Advanced-stage symptoms (when the cancer has spread):
- Swelling or lump in the abdomen
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) indicates liver problems.
- Shortness of breath or fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) suggests fluid accumulation.
Note that the above-mentioned symptoms provide a general overview, and the specific symptoms experienced can vary from patient to patient. Consult a doctor to learn more about stomach cancer and related symptoms.
Also Read: Chronic Stomach Pain: It May Indicate Following Serious Disease
Early Diagnosis Is Key
Just depending on the symptoms to diagnose stomach cancer may not be enough. In fact, the chances of detecting stomach cancer early may be low because the condition only becomes symptomatic at a later stage, says Dr Narwariya.
According to the doctor, patients with a family history of stomach cancer should be more vigilant, and any changes in digestion should not be avoided.
He adds, “For early diagnosis, one should not ignore symptoms like abdominal fullness, early satiety, unexplained weight loss, and persistent vomiting. If all these symptoms persist for more than 3–4 weeks, then they should consult a gastroenterologist or an oncologist.”
Moreover, regular screening can also help detect any abnormalities in the digestive system, which may turn out to be cancer. This can help catch the disease early and ensure effective, timely treatment.
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