Understanding stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is the uncontrolled growth of mucosal cells found in the stomach lining. It is commonly caused by mutation within the cells’ DNA which causes them to grow and multiply rapidly. These cancer cells accumulate and develop into a tumour which sometimes invades neighbouring tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also spread throughout the body. Risk factors that increase your chances of developing stomach cancer include:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• History of chronic untreated Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Diet high in smoked or salty foods
• Low-fibre diet
• Chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
• Long-term stomach inflammation
• Polyps
• Family history

Do you need surgery to treat stomach cancer?

While chemotherapy and radiation are often used in treating cancers, surgery is the main treatment. People who have early-stage stomach cancer can undergo a less-invasive procedure where an endoscope fitted with specialised surgical tools that are used to remove cancerous tissue is inserted into the affected area. The tools are used to remove cancerous tissue.

For more progressive cases, a more traditional surgery technique is used. This involves making an incision along the patient’s abdomen which gives the surgeon access to the affected area. The cancerous portion is removed along with surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. The incision is closed and the patient is sent to post-operative care.

What does stomach cancer surgery involve?

The aim of stomach cancer surgery, whether traditional or minimally invasive, is to cure the local disease or at least arrest its metastasis. To treat stomach cancer, two techniques are commonly used.

Partial/distal/subtotal gastrectomy: This involves the removal of part of the distal stomach along with the surrounding fatty tissue and lymph nodes. This is done if the cancer is in the distal part of the stomach. The remaining stomach is connected to the intestines to achieve smooth passage of food and water.

Total gastrectomy: This involves removing the entire stomach and its surrounding fatty tissue and lymph nodes. The patient’s oesophagus is connected to the intestines.

Talk to your oncologist today for more details on stomach cancer and its treatment.