Symptoms

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages because the symptoms often appear vague or similar to common digestive issues. However, as the disease progresses, certain signs may become more noticeable. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent discomfort or pain in the stomach region
• Frequent indigestion or heartburn
• Nausea or occasional vomiting
• Reduced appetite or early feeling of fullness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• A bloated feeling after eating even small meals
• Vomiting blood or passing black stools (which may suggest internal bleeding)
• Swelling of lymph nodes, especially near the collarbone or underarms

If these symptoms persist, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

Risk Factors

What Are the Risk Factors for Cancer of the Stomach?

Stomach cancer can develop due to a combination of environmental, lifestyle, genetic, and medical factors. Below are the key risk factors:

• Age and Gender: Individuals over 50 years old, particularly males, have a higher risk.
• Family History: A close relative with stomach cancer can increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
• Helicobacter pylori Infection: Chronic infection with this bacterium can lead to inflammation and is linked to stomach ulcers and cancer.
• Diet: Consuming a diet high in salty, smoked, or preserved foods and low in fruits and vegetables raises the risk.
• Smoking and Alcohol Use: Both are known to significantly increase stomach cancer risk.
• Previous Stomach Surgery or Conditions: People with a history of gastric polyps, stomach surgery, or chronic gastritis are at greater risk.
• Obesity: Excess body weight can raise the chances of developing gastric cancer, especially near the junction of the stomach and esophagus.
• Occupational Exposure: People working in coal, metal, or rubber industries may face higher risks due to chemical exposure.
• Radiation Exposure: Prior radiation therapy to the abdomen may increase long-term cancer risk.

Preparation

How to Prepare for Stomach Cancer Surgery

Proper preparation for stomach cancer surgery is essential to ensure a smooth and successful outcome. Here are key steps patients should follow:

• Choose a Reputed Medical Facility: Selecting a hospital with advanced cancer care and experienced surgical teams is crucial for safe and effective treatment.
• Understand the Treatment Costs: Surgical expenses for stomach cancer in India typically range between USD 5,000 to 9,000. This may vary depending on the surgeon’s expertise, use of advanced techniques like robotic surgery, hospital amenities, and city.
• Complete Pre-Surgical Evaluation: Patients are usually required to undergo a full medical assessment that includes blood tests, an ECG, echocardiogram, and urine analysis to determine fitness for surgery.
• Sign Surgical Consent: Before the procedure, patients must provide written consent to proceed with the operation after understanding the potential risks and benefits.
• Review Current Medications: Inform the healthcare provider about all current medications, including supplements, to avoid complications during or after surgery.
• Follow Fasting Instructions: Patients are generally advised to fast for several hours prior to surgery. Hospital admission may occur a day before the operation.
• Stop Blood-Thinning Drugs: If the patient is on anticoagulants (blood thinners), these medications are usually stopped at least 7–10 days before the procedure, as advised by the doctor.

Procedure

What Are the Best Procedures for Stomach Cancer Surgery?

To determine the most suitable treatment for stomach cancer, doctors begin with diagnostic tests such as blood analysis, CT scans, PET scans, and upper endoscopy. These tests help identify the stage of the cancer—ranging from Stage I to Stage IV—which guides the treatment strategy.

Common Treatment Methods for Stomach Cancer

Stomach (gastric) cancer treatment usually involves a combination of surgical and non-surgical methods, depending on the size, stage, and spread of the disease.

1. Surgery

Surgical removal of the tumor is one of the most effective approaches, especially in the early stages. The type of surgery recommended depends on the tumor’s location and how far it has spread.

Types of surgery include:

• Total Gastrectomy: The stomach is removed entirely. This is done when the cancer is widespread or when clean surgical margins are required.
• Partial (Subtotal) Gastrectomy: This procedure involves removing a portion of the stomach, usually the lower part, where the tumor is found.
• Esophagogastrostomy – Removal of the upper stomach and a part of the esophagus, used for cancers near the upper junction.
• Lymph Node Removal – Nearby lymph nodes are also removed to prevent the cancer from spreading and to evaluate the stage of the disease.

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used to destroy cancer cells and may be given:

• Before surgery (neoadjuvant) – To shrink the tumor and make surgery more successful.
• After surgery (adjuvant) – To eliminate remaining cancer cells and reduce the chance of recurrence.

It is also used as a primary treatment in advanced stages when surgery isn’t an option.

3. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy targets cancer cells with high-energy rays. It may be used after surgery to lower the risk of cancer returning or to relieve symptoms in advanced cases.

Advanced techniques like:

• IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) – Allows precise targeting of tumors, reducing damage to healthy tissue.
• IORT (Intraoperative Radiation Therapy) – Delivers radiation during surgery directly to the tumor site.

4. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy works by enhancing the body’s immune system to fight cancer. For some patients, especially those with advanced or recurrent gastric cancer, targeted drugs like nivolumab or pembrolizumab may be suggested based on specific tumor markers.

Post Procedure – Stomach Cancer Surgery Care

What is Post-operative Care for Stomach Cancer Surgery?

After stomach cancer surgery, patients need consistent follow-up to monitor their recovery and detect any possible recurrence of cancer.

1. Routine Monitoring:

• Blood tests should be done every 3 months for the first two years after surgery.

• If the CEA tumor marker (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) was elevated before the operation, it should be checked regularly during follow-ups.

2. Imaging Tests:

• Doctors may recommend PET scans or CT scans at scheduled intervals to ensure that there is no sign of cancer returning or spreading.

Success Rate

Success Rate of Stomach Cancer Surgery

The outcome of stomach cancer surgery depends mainly on how early the cancer is found and treated. When the cancer is detected at an early stage and the tumor is still limited to the stomach lining, the chances of recovery are much higher.

• In early-stage stomach cancer, where the tumor has not spread deeply or to other organs, surgery can lead to long-term survival in a large number of cases.
• For intermediate stages, the success rate varies and often depends on how well the patient responds to treatment after surgery, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
• In advanced stages, where the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs, surgery may still be done to relieve symptoms or extend life, but complete recovery is less likely.

The skill of the medical team, the type of surgery performed, and the patient’s general health all play an important role in the success of the treatment.

FAQs

FAQs to Ask Your Doctor Before Stomach Cancer Surgery

1. What stage is my stomach cancer, and what does it mean?
2. What treatment options are available for my condition?
3. Is surgery the best option for my case, and why?
4. What kind of surgery will be performed?
5. How experienced is the surgical team with this type of cancer?
6. What are the potential risks or complications of this surgery?
7. What is the expected recovery time after surgery?
8. Will I need chemotherapy or radiation before or after the surgery?
9. How will this surgery affect my digestion and nutrition?
10. Are there any long-term side effects I should be aware of?
11. How often will I need follow-up visits and tests?
12. What is the estimated cost of stomach cancer surgery in India?
13. Will I need to stay in the hospital after surgery? If so, for how long?
14. How soon can I return to normal activities or work?
15. What support services (dietitian, counselor, etc.) are available?
16. What signs should I watch for that could mean complications?
17. Are there any lifestyle changes I need to make before or after surgery?
18. What is the survival rate for patients with similar diagnoses?
19. Will I be able to eat normally after the procedure?
20. What are the chances of the cancer returning after surgery?