Stomach cancer or gastric cancer is the third leading form of cancer in the world which leads to death. Any growth of cancerous cells in the inner lining of the stomach can lead to stomach cancer. The growth of the cancerous cell takes place slowly, and symptoms may not be visible in the early stages. Various risk factors like exposure to asbestos, being overweight, undergoing surgery for a stomach ulcer, and smoking habits can lead to stomach cancer.

Diagnosis of stomach cancer
Physicians carry out different physical exams to diagnose stomach cancer. They are:

• Gastroscopic exam: It is used to look at the insides of the stomach via a fiber optic camera. Physicians can carry out a biopsy during this procedure by collecting tissue samples if they suspect cancer.
• Laparoscopy: It is used to check details about the spread of cancer.
• CT scan or PET Scan: These tests help to determine the stage of cancer.
• Ultrasound scan: Ultrasound scans check whether cancer has developed in the top part of the stomach.
• Barium meal X-ray: The patient swallows a liquid containing barium which helps to identify cancer in the stomach during an X-ray.

Treatment of stomach cancer
It is possible to treat stomach cancer either through surgery, chemotherapy or by radiation. The surgical options may include:

• Endoscopy: It is used to remove the tumor at an early stage.
• Subtotal gastrectomy: It removes a part of the stomach.
• Total gastrectomy: Under this procedure, doctors remove the entire stomach.

Patients usually need a lot of time to recover from these surgeries.

• Chemotherapy: Cytotoxic medicines are given to patients which travel through the body, attack cancerous cells, and stop their growth and spread. This therapy is preferred for treating certain types of stomach cancer.
• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Doctors opt for this therapy before surgery to shrink the tumor for easy removal.
• Adjuvant chemotherapy: Patients may need to undergo this procedure after surgery to destroy any cancerous cells left behind.
• Radiation therapy: Energy rays are used to kill cancerous cells. However, this therapy is not preferred for treating stomach cancer because of the risk of harming the organs located nearby. Radiation can also cause side effects like indigestion, diarrhea or vomiting. However, if cancer reaches an advanced stage, or causes symptoms like severe pain or bleeding, this therapy is considered.
• Neoadjuvant radiation: This type of radiation is used to reduce the size of the tumor so that it can be removed easily through surgery.
• Adjuvant radiation: This type of radiation is applied after surgery to kill the remaining cancerous cells around the stomach area.

Apart from surgeries, chemotherapy or radiation, doctors may also prescribe some medications for treating abnormalities in the cancerous cells.

There are various stages of stomach cancer, and it is essential to look for its symptoms to detect it at an early stage. If left undetected, stomach cancer may spread, and the patient may face difficulties in the treatment. Patients in the advanced stages of stomach cancer can participate in the latest treatments which can be experimental therapies or application of new medications. However, since the side effects are unknown for such therapies, patients should consider this option carefully by discussing it with their physician as well as family members.