C16.3

Clinical Causes: Chronic inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis), often caused by helicobacter pylori infection Dietary factors, including diets high in smoked, salted, or pickled foods Long-term tobacco use Heavy alcohol consumption Family history of stomach cancer Certain genetic conditions and hereditary cancer syndromes Previous stomach surgery or gastric ulcers Environmental exposure to harmful substances or chemicals

Key Symptoms: Persistent indigestion or upset stomach Unexplained weight loss Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper abdomen Nausea and vomiting, sometimes with blood Loss of appetite Feeling full quickly when eating Fatigue or weakness due to anemia from bleeding Swelling or a mass in the abdomen Dark stools or blood in vomit

Diagnosis Path: Detecting stomach cancer typically involves a combination of medical evaluations including physical examinations, medical history review, and specific diagnostic tests. Common diagnostic procedures include: - Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to view the stomach lining and obtain tissue samples for biopsy. - Biopsy: Small tissue samples taken during endoscopy examined under a microscope to confirm malignancy. - Imaging studies: Such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans to determine the extent of the cancer and check for spread. - Laboratory tests: Blood tests to assess overall health, detect anemia, and evaluate tumor markers. Early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, making vigilance for symptoms important.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer, overall health, and patient preferences. Common approaches include: - Surgery: The primary treatment, which may involve removing part of the stomach (subtotal gastrectomy) or entire stomach (total gastrectomy). The goal is to remove the tumor and nearby lymph nodes. - Chemotherapy: Uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells, often administered before or after surgery. - Radiation therapy: High-energy rays used to destroy cancer cells, typically combined with chemotherapy. - Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: Emerging options that focus on specific molecules involved in cancer growth or boost the immune system. - Supportive care: Managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life through nutritional support, pain management, and treatment of side effects. The multidisciplinary approach involves surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals to develop an individualized treatment plan.