Stomach (Gastric) Cancer

Stomach cancer ranks fifth among all malignant neoplasms worldwide. It develops when healthy cells of the stomach lose their normal functions and begin to divide uncontrollably, forming a malignant tumor. Several risk factors contribute to the development of gastric cancer, among which Helicobacter pylori infection and family history are of particular importance.

The disease is more common in men. Clinical manifestations include heartburn, abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea, early satiety, dysphagia (difficulty or pain during swallowing), weakness and fatigue, gastrointestinal bleeding, and unexplained weight loss.

There are two main histological types of gastric cancer — intestinal and diffuse. The intestinal type is more frequently observed in men and older individuals, whereas the diffuse type occurs more often in younger patients and affects men and women equally. The diffuse or infiltrative form generally carries a poorer prognosis than the intestinal type. The most common histological form of gastric cancer is adenocarcinoma, which originates from glandular tissue.

In most cases, gastric cancer is sporadic, while hereditary forms are less frequent. The disease often remains asymptomatic in its early stages, which leads to diagnosis at more advanced stages.

The main diagnostic methods include upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), biopsy, and computed tomography (CT); other examinations may be performed when necessary.

Treatment approaches depend on the stage and extent of the disease and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. When detected at an early stage, gastric cancer can be completely curable. In cases where curative treatment is not possible, palliative therapies are applied to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.