Gastric Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is a serious and dangerous health condition that occurs as a result of uncontrolled growth and proliferation of cells found within the stomach wall. This type of cancer, which is commonly seen worldwide, has a high chance of cure when detected early; however, because its symptoms are mild in the initial stages, it is usually identified in advanced stages. In this article, which we have prepared for you, you will learn information about what gastric cancer is, its causes, and its symptoms.

What is Gastric Cancer?

Gastric cancer is a malignant tumor that develops as a result of abnormal growth and proliferation of cells in the stomach. Gastric cancer begins initially in the inner layer of the stomach wall and can spread to other layers and organs over time. If not diagnosed in the early stage, it can cause a life-threatening condition by metastasizing to other parts of the body, particularly the liver, lungs, and lymph nodes.

What Are the Causes of Gastric Cancer?

Although the exact causes of gastric cancer are not fully known, it is understood that certain factors increase the risk of developing this type of cancer. These factors are as follows:

• The factor most frequently associated with gastric cancer is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which causes inflammation and ulcer formation in the stomach lining.

• Smoking significantly increases the risk of gastric cancer.

• Consuming high-salt foods increases the risk of gastric cancer.

• Individuals with a family history of gastric cancer have a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

• Low consumption of fruits and vegetables and excessive consumption of processed foods increase the risk of gastric cancer.

• Individuals who have undergone stomach surgery have a higher risk of gastric cancer.

• Certain genetic mutations and syndromes increase the risk of gastric cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of Gastric Cancer?

The symptoms of gastric cancer may be mild initially and can worsen over time. The main symptoms are as follows:

• Loss of appetite and rapid weight loss,

• Pain and discomfort in the upper stomach region,

• Nausea and vomiting,

• Indigestion, bloating, and heartburn,

• Sensation of fullness while eating,

• Sensation of fullness or pressure in the stomach,

• Difficulty swallowing,

• Anemia and fatigue,

• Swelling in the abdominal region,

The symptoms of gastric cancer may resemble the symptoms of other diseases. If you are experiencing one or several of these symptoms, it is important to consult a specialist for a definitive diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly increase the chances of success in fighting gastric cancer.

What Are the Types of Gastric Cancer?

Gastric cancer is a disease characterized by malignant tumors that begin in the cells lining the stomach and grow in an uncontrolled manner. There are several types of gastric cancer. These types are as follows:

Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma, which accounts for approximately 90-95% of gastric cancers, begins in the mucosa cells that line the stomach wall. This type of cancer comprises the vast majority of gastric cancer cases.

Lymphoma: Lymphoma, which accounts for approximately 4% of gastric cancers, begins in the lymphatic tissues in the stomach wall. This type of cancer affects immune system cells and is generally seen outside the stomach as well.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST): GISTs are rare types of cancer that originate from connective tissue or muscle cells in the stomach wall. While some of these tumors may be benign, others may be malignant and cancerous.

Carcinoid tumors: Carcinoid tumors originate from hormone-producing cells found in the stomach wall. Most of these tumors are benign; however, some may be malignant and cancerous.

What Are the Stages of Gastric Cancer?

The stages of gastric cancer indicate how far the cancer has progressed and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Gastric cancer is generally divided into 4 stages:

Stage 1: In this stage, the cancer is found only in the inner layers of the stomach wall and has not spread to the lymph nodes. The prognosis is generally better, and treatment can be accomplished with surgical intervention.

Stage 2: The cancer has spread to the deeper layers of the stomach wall and is beginning to affect nearby lymph nodes. Treatment at this stage can be accomplished with surgical intervention and chemotherapy.

Stage 3: The cancer has spread to all layers of the stomach wall and has reached more lymph nodes. Treatment at this stage can be accomplished with surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Stage 4: The cancer has spread to organs outside the stomach and to other parts of the body. Treatment at this stage is accomplished with palliative treatments aimed at improving the patient's quality of life and chemotherapy.

How is Gastric Cancer Diagnosed?

Gastric cancer diagnosis can be made based on the patient's complaints, physical examination, and various tests. The diagnostic process works as follows:

The doctor evaluates the patient's symptoms and performs a physical examination. At this stage, the patient's medical history and family history are also taken into consideration.

Endoscopy is performed in patients suspected of having gastric cancer. During this procedure, a thin and flexible tube (endoscope) is advanced through the mouth, into the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Through the camera at the tip of the endoscope, the doctor can visualize abnormalities inside the stomach.

During endoscopy, samples of suspicious tissue are obtained and examined in a pathology laboratory. This procedure is performed to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Various imaging tests can be performed to determine the stage of gastric cancer and visualize the extent of cancer spread. These tests include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET).

In patients suspected of having gastric cancer, a surgical procedure called laparoscopy may be performed to examine the abdominal organs and lymph nodes more closely. During this procedure, the abdominal abnormalities are examined using a thin tube and camera.

How is Gastric Cancer Treated?

Gastric cancer is a malignant tumor that begins in stomach cells. Gastric cancer treatment varies depending on the stage of the disease, the patient's general health status, and other factors. The main methods used in gastric cancer treatment are as follows:

• Surgery,

• Chemotherapy,

• Radiotherapy,

• Targeted therapy,

• Immunotherapy,

Gastric cancer treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, and it is important that patients be evaluated by oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other specialists.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Gastric Cancer?

Although it is not possible to prevent gastric cancer completely, it is possible to reduce the risk by making certain lifestyle changes and taking precautions. Some recommendations that can help prevent gastric cancer are as follows:

Implement a healthy diet by increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and reducing consumption of salty and processed foods. Additionally, protect stomach health by increasing the consumption of high-fiber foods.

Tobacco and alcohol use can increase the risk of gastric cancer. Eliminating these habits is an important step in reducing the risk of gastric cancer.

H. pylori bacterium is a factor that increases the risk of gastric cancer. If you have symptoms of this infection, consult with your doctor to receive appropriate treatment.

Obesity and excess weight can increase the risk of gastric cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of gastric cancer.

If there is a family history of gastric cancer, genetic counseling and regular screening are important.

Regular screening is particularly important for individuals at risk. Early diagnosis increases the chances of success in gastric cancer treatment.

Gastric Cancer Treatment Costs in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in making a name for itself in the world through its investments and efforts in the healthcare field. Particularly, the latest technological devices used in diagnostic and treatment procedures have provided hope for many diseases. Moreover, there has been an increase in medical tourism to Turkey.

• Hospitals being large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped with technological devices,

• Turkish doctors being expert, successful, and talented in their field,

• Nurses and caregivers being friendly and compassionate,

• Questions being answered quickly and accurately,

• All personnel, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering vacation opportunities with its natural and historical beauty,

• Easy accessibility and transportation,

• Meeting the needs for diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, food, drink, clothing, and vacation at reasonable costs,

are cited as reasons for preference. Regarding Gastric Cancer Treatment Costs in Turkey, we can see that patients and patient relatives who wish to come to Turkey are conducting research. However, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to provide exact pricing information. Many factors affect the price, such as the type of disease, its stage, the diagnostic process, the treatment process, and the duration of stay in Turkey. If you would like to obtain more detailed pricing information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process by sending an invitation letter to the consulate on your behalf.