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What are the stages of gastric cancer

Also referred to as stomach cancer, gastric cancer is a condition identified by the development of cancerous cells along the stomach lining. Gastric cancer is not easy to diagnose as the condition does not show any symptoms in the initial stages. Stomach cancer is not as common as other cancer types. However, what makes it dangerous is the fact that it cannot be diagnosed easily. Therefore, it can go unnoticed until the stage where it has spread to other body parts also.

This can make the treatment of the condition difficult.

Signs and symptoms of gastric cancer

Typically, gastric cancer does not cause any signs or symptoms in its initial stages. In some cases where the symptoms might show, the patients commonly brush it off as common stomach flu or virus. By the time the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer start showing up, the condition may have reached an advanced stage. Therefore, it becomes extremely important for patients at high risk to discuss gastric cancer symptoms that they should watch out for.

If there are any early warning signs of gastric cancer, they can include the following:

Feeling of fullness
In many cases of gastric cancer, patients get a feeling of fullness after light meals. This can be felt in the upper abdomen area.
Heartburn
There are several symptoms of stomach ulcers that are similar to that of gastric cancer. These can include heartburn and indigestion.
Vomiting and nausea
These are common signs of stomach cancer that can be experienced by stomach cancer patients. In some cases, the vomit can also contain blood.
Weight loss
Appetite loss or weight loss that cannot be explained are some of the common symptoms associated with stomach cancer.
Stomach ache
The presence of a tumor in the stomach can also lead to pain in the abdominal area. A build-up of fluid or swelling can also be associated with stomach cancer.

Once the condition has advanced, the symptoms start to show up clearly. These can include the following:

Heartburn that occurs frequently
Vomiting and nausea
Appetite loss
Bloating
Blood with stools
Jaundice
Fatigue
Pain in the stomach which becomes worse after meals

If you have been experiencing any changes, it is recommended that you consult your doctor. The doctor will examine you and ask you about the frequency of your symptoms and other questions. This will be done to identify the root cause of the problem.

Causes of stomach cancer

Usually, cancer is a result of gene mutation which takes place in the DNA of the cell. It is because of this mutation that the cells start to develop and divide at an abnormal rate. These cells stay alive even after the healthy cells have died. When the cancerous cells are in a large number, they form a tumor that moves to invade the nearby parts of the place of origin. Cancerous cells can also detach from the tumor and then invade other parts of the body.

The cause of gastric cancer is usually associated with gastrointestinal reflux disease. It is less likely to be associated with factors such as smoking and obesity. When the stomach acid starts to flow back to the esophagus, the condition is known as GERD.

Having a diet loaded with salted and smoked foods has also been found to be a common cause of stomach cancer, affecting the stomach’s main part.

Risk factors associated with stomach cancer

There are two main risk factors associated with gastric cancer, and they are:

GERD history
Obesity

Several other factors increase the chances of developing gastric cancer include:

Diet rich in smoked and salty foods
Diet low in vegetables and fruits
Stomach cancer running in the family
Inflammation in the stomach that has been persistent
Smoking
Stomach polyps
Pernicious anemia
Infection accompanied by Helicobacter pylori

The stages of gastric cancer

Staging is used to identify the location of cancer and the extent it has spread. It can also determine whether the cancer is spreading to other organs or not. Different tests can determine the stage of cancer, and accordingly, the treatment is also determined. There are different ways in which the stage of cancer can be established. Let us understand an important staging system that is popularly used across the world.

TNM staging system

One of the systems used to understand and describe the stage of gastric cancer is the TNM staging system. Three main questions are answered about cancer to establish the stage according to this system.

Tumor – How deep is cancer into the stomach wall?
Node – Has the tumor reached the lymph nodes, and how severely?
Metastasis – Have other parts of the body also been affected by the tumor?

The results of these three questions help in explaining the stage of cancer. Based on the information received, cancer can be placed in either of State 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Once the stage is understood, doctors can then work together to formulate a process of treatment.

Let us understand in little detail how each of the three questions defines the stage of cancer.

Tumor
Here, we understand how far into the stomach wall has the tumor grown. The measurement is done in cm. The information is then shared in a way that is generally understood by medical professionals. TX means that the evaluation of the tumor cannot be done. T0 means that there’s no evidence of the primary tumor in the stomach. This is the condition in which the cancer is only on the inner lining of the stomach, and the condition is described as carcinoma in situ. T1 signifies that cancer has grown into muscularis mucosae, submucosa, or the lamina propria. In T2, cancer has grown into the stomach’s muscle layer known as muscularis propria. In T3, cancer has reached the connective tissue outside the stomach, while in T4, it has also reached the peritoneal lining or the organs around the stomach.
Node
Similar to the tumor, each stage is represented by a value. NX means it’s not possible to evaluate regional lymph nodes, while N0 means cancer has not yet spread to lymph nodes. N1, N2, and N3 state that cancer has spread to 1-2, 3-6, and 7 or more regional lymph nodes, respectively.
Metastasis
This is to understand the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. MX means the condition in which cancer cannot be evaluated, and M0 and M1 indicate that cancer has not spread, and cancer has spread to other organs, respectively.

By combining all of these, doctors then define the overall stage of cancer.

Stage 0
The cancer is in situ and has only been found on the epithelium surface. It has neither spread to other layers of the stomach nor to other organs.
Stage 1A
Cancer has reached the inner layer of the stomach’s wall, but not to lymph nodes or surrounding organs.
Stage 1B
In two conditions, one can be considered on Stage 1B of gastric cancer. First, cancer has grown to one or two lymph nodes and inner layers of the stomach wall. Second, it has not spread to lymph nodes but has entered the outer muscular layer of the stomach wall.
Stage 2A
Any of the three conditions being met suggests that cancer has reached Stage 2A. Either cancer has reached the inner layer of the stomach wall, and between three and six lymph nodes, or it is in the outer muscular layer of the stomach wall and spread to one to two lymph nodes. The third condition is that it has grown into connective tissues around the stomach, but has not reached peritoneal lining or serosa. It has also not reached any lymph nodes.
Stage 2B
One of the three conditions must be satisfied in this case. One, cancer has grown to the inner layer of the stomach wall and 7-15 lymph nodes. Two, cancer has penetrated connective tissue outside the stomach and one to two lymph nodes. Three, cancer has grown into connective tissue and serosa or peritoneal lining.
Stage 3A
This is signified by cancer not growing to the other organs, or some organs but not to nodes.
Stage 3B
In this advanced stage, either cancer severely attacks the lymph nodes, or lesser lymph nodes are affected, but cancer spreads to different parts of the body.
Stage 3C
Here, cancer has grown to the nearby organs of the body and affected as many as seven lymph nodes. Or, in the second case, cancer affects 16 nodes, but distant parts of the body are not reached.
Stage 4
In this stage, the nodes, surrounding organs, and inner layers of the stomach are penetrated by cancer.

Diagnosing stomach cancer

Some several tests and procedures are used to diagnose stomach cancer. These include the following:

Upper endoscopy
This is a procedure that uses a tiny camera to let the doctor look inside the stomach. The camera is installed on a tiny tube that is passed down to the stomach through the throat. This will allow the doctor to look for any signs of cancer in the stomach. If any suspicious is found, a tissue sample can also be collected for a biopsy.
Imaging tests
The tests used to check for any signs of stomach cancer include a CT scan and a special X-ray test known as a barium swallow.

The treatment plan of the condition will largely depend on the stage of gastric cancer. Therefore, to check the stage of cancer, various procedures and tests will be ordered. These will include:

Imaging tests
These tests can include a positron emission tomography or PET scan and a CT scan.
Exploratory surgery
Surgery can be recommended to some patients. This will be done to check if cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This surgery is usually laparoscopic. The procedure is done by a surgeon who makes a small incision to the abdomen and puts a small camera inside, which sends images to a screen installed in the operation theater.

Treatment plans for stomach cancer

The treatment for stomach cancer is dependent on the stage at which cancer is diagnosed. The patient’s overall health and preferences are also taken into consideration while deciding the treatment plan.

The various treatment options for stomach cancer include the following:

Surgery
Stomach cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body can be treated with the help of surgery. In the procedure, that part of the stomach or esophagus is removed where the tumor has developed. The surgery aims at removing the entire cancerous tumor along with some healthy tissue. The lymph nodes in the surrounding area are also removed in most cases.
Radiation therapy
This is a treatment procedure in which beams with high power energy are used to eliminate cancer cells from the body. These beams are emitted from a machine that moves around the patient as they lie down on a table. In cases of gastric cancer, radiation therapy can be given before the surgery. It is done to reduce the tumor to a smaller size so that it is easy to remove it. In many cases, radiation therapy is also used post-surgery to kill the cancerous cells, which might be left out in the area around the stomach or esophagus. Usually, both chemo and radiation therapy are given together in cases of gastric cancer. It is known as chemo radiotherapy, and it is usually given before the surgery. The side effects of doing radiation therapy on the stomach can include problems with digestion, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. If radiation therapy is done on the esophagus, it can include side effects such as problems with swallowing and pain. To fight this side effect, the doctor can recommend installing a feeding tube in the stomach by making an incision in the abdomen. The tube will remain in the stomach until the esophagus recovers completely.
Chemotherapy
This is a treatment procedure that is aimed at killing cancerous cells with the use of medications. The medications involved in the treatment go through the body and kill cancer cells, which might have traveled and gone beyond the stomach area. The procedure can be used before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor so that it is removed conveniently.

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An Overview Of Colon Polyps

An overview of colon polyps Colon polyps are small clumps of cells formed on the lining of the colon. The majority of these polyps tend to be harmless, but with time, there are certain polyps that can easily grow into colon cancer. This is a serious condition, especially when found in the later stages. Almost any individual can develop colon polyps. People who are over 50 years of age are at an increased risk of suffering from this condition. Even smokers and overweight individuals or people with a family or personal history of colon polyps might be at an increased risk of suffering from this condition. Colon polyps – causes are slightly known, but this condition rarely causes any symptoms. Therefore, for individuals who are at risk of developing the condition, it is important to have screening tests on a regular basis. These will include a colonoscopy. Polyps found in the early stages can conveniently be removed. They can be removed completely in a very safe manner. Regular screening is the best step for the prevention of colon polyps. What are the colon polyps – causes? Doctors do not exactly know the causes of colon polyps, but they are of the view that polyps are a result of abnormal tissue growth. The human body develops healthy cells in a periodic manner, thus replacing the old cells that tend to be damaged or are no longer required. The division and growth of these new cells is regulated. However, there are cases when the new cells develop and then divide before they are actually needed. It is this excessive growth that results in polyps. Packaged red meat is also one of the most common colon polyps – causes. Fiber deficiency in the body. High-fat diet taken in excessive amounts. Smoking cigarettes. Obesity is also one of the major colon polyps – causes. Inherited conditions such as Gardener syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome might also put an individual at an increased risk of having colon polyps. What signs and symptoms do colon polyps show? Majority of the individuals suffering from colon polyps do not show any symptoms. They are actually unaware of the fact that they have polyps, because they feel very well. Bleeding from the rectum is one of the most common symptoms of colon polyps. Blood in the stool can also be a sign of colon polyps. Blood might make stool look black, or there can be red streaks in stool. A feeling of tiredness due to anemia and not having sufficient iron in the body are common symptoms. It is the bleeding from the polyps that can result in an iron deficiency and anemia. Several other health issues might also result in these signs. Nevertheless, if rectum bleeding or blood in the stool are everyday phenomena, a consultation with a doctor is vital. How can colon polyps be prevented? Knowing the colon polyps – causes can help prevent the condition. However, there are other important steps that can be followed in trying to prevent this condition. They are as listed: Regular screenings. Lifestyle changes can also be of help in doing away with the colon polyps – causes, and, consequently, prevent them. Adopting healthy habits such as eating fruits, whole grains, and vegetables and reducing fat intake can help in the prevention of colon polyps. Limiting the intake of alcohol and quitting tobacco. Staying active physically and maintaining a healthy body weight is also important. When should one see a doctor? A general physician must be consulted in case of the following: Blood in the stool Abdominal pain Changes in bowel habits for more than a week It is important for one to have a word with their physician regarding their intake of vitamin D and calcium. This is because studies have proved that increasing the intake of food items rich in vitamin D and calcium can help prevent the recurrence of polyps. However, this is not completely clear. It is important to consider all the options, especially if one is at a very high risk of suffering from colon polyps.

The Types Of Colon Polyps And Their Prevention

The types of colon polyps and their prevention Growths that occur on the inner lining of the colon (large intestine) and usually protrude into the colon are known as colon polyps. They form when the genetic material within the cells that line the colon changes and becomes abnormal. Under normal circumstances, the immature cells that line the colon multiply, mature, and then die in a timely fashion. On the other hand, the genetic changes in the lining cells prevent the cells from maturing, and they don’t die. Resultantly, immature and genetically abnormal cells start accumulating in the colon, eventually resulting in the formation of polyps. This article intends to raise awareness about colon polyps, its types, symptoms, diagnosis, the colon polyps – causes, and more. What are the types of colon polyps? Inflammatory colon polyps : Also known as false polyps, it is mostly found in people who have inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. These polyps are inflammatory manifestations of IBD, are benign, and are unlikely to become cancerous. Adenomatous colon polyps : Also known as adenomas, this type of colon polyps make up about 70% of all polyps found in the colon. They can become cancerous, but the process takes years. Hyperplastic colon polyps : The term hyperplasia means fast growth, which indicates an abnormal increase in the number of cells resulting in the gross enlargement of the colon polyp. Despite the rapid growth, hyperplastic polyps have a low risk of turning cancerous. Villous adenoma : This type of colon polyp has a greater potential of becoming cancerous. It is estimated that approximately 30 percent of villous adenomas develop into a malignancy. These polyps require surgery for the removal of their cauliflower-like protrusions. What are the causes of colon polyps? Experts are not sure about the colon polyps – causes. However, the causes are believed to be a mix of environmental and genetic factors that result in an abnormal tissue growth. What are the known risk factors of colon polyps? Age : The risk of developing colon polyps tends to increase with age. Family history : A close relative with colon cancer or polyps raises the risk. Sex : Men have a slightly higher chance of developing polyps. Race : Black men and women have a higher risk. Alcohol : Alcohol consumption is closely linked to colon cancer risk and is known as one of the colon polyps – causes. Red meat : If not had in moderation, red meat can serve as one of the colon polyps – causes. Having too much red meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer as well. Lack of dietary fiber : A good intake of fiber has many benefits, including colon benefits. It decreases the risk of colon cancer. Smoking : Smoking increases the risk of all types of cancers, and colon polyps or cancer is no exception. Obesity : Obese people are at higher risk of developing colon polyps and cancer. How are colonic polyps diagnosed? The following tests help diagnose colon polyps: Colonoscopy Sigmoidoscopy Barium enema CT colonography Stool test What are the symptoms of colon polyps? Change in stool color Rectal bleeding Iron deficiency Anemia Change in bowel habits Abdominal pain Blood in the stool Fatigue How common are colon polyps? They are very common. They increase in prevalence as people age. If one has colon polyps, they are more likely to develop polyps elsewhere in the colon later. Only a small proportion of polyps cause symptoms or signs, which usually are the result of bleeding from the polyp. How can colon polyps be prevented? Adopt healthy habits : Adopt healthy habits and increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit fat intake, alcohol consumption, and quit tobacco. Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight. Avoid all the estimated colon polyps – causes. Seek advice if at high risk : If there’s a family history of colon polyps or its other risk factors affect one, seeking prompt medical advice and counseling is important. With regular colonoscopies, one can prevent the colon polyps – causes from developing, and hence preventing the colon from developing.

Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumors – Prognosis And Life Expectancy

Carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors – Prognosis and life expectancy The neuroendocrine system is a complex regulatory mechanism comprised of cells spread throughout several organ systems, including our lungs and digestive system. As they have characteristics of both nerves and endocrine cells, they are called neuroendocrine cells. The nerve cells transmit signals using electrical impulses, whereas endocrine cells make thyroid and insulin-secreting glands. This article intends to discuss the carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor that starts in these cells in detail. What is a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor? A carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor starts in the cells of the hormone-producing organs in our body. A carcinoid tumor is a type of neuroendocrine tumor that most commonly arises in the gastrointestinal system, which includes intestines, stomach, and esophagus. Carcinoid tumors account for about 1% to 2% of lung cancers. As carcinoid tumors originate from tissue that produces hormones, the main side effect of the condition is the inappropriate release of various hormones in the bloodstream. Carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor can arise in a number of locations categorized into three areas: the foregut, midgut, and hindgut. Lungs and stomach form the foregut area. The midgut comprises of the small intestine, colon, and appendix. The hindgut includes the end of the large bowel, the rectum, and genitourinary tract organs (ovaries and testes). What factors raise a person’s risk of developing a carcinoid tumor? A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 : This hereditary condition increases an individual’s risk of developing tumors in the pituitary gland, pancreas, and parathyroid gland. Age : Age seems to be a major factor that plays an integral role, as children rarely develop carcinoid tumors; the average diagnosis age is 55 to 65 years for this condition. Race and gender : Carcinoid tumors are more common among black people than white people, and black men have a higher risk than black women. White men and women have the same risk levels, and after treatment, women tend to live longer. Other medical conditions : Some medical conditions that damage the stomach and reduce acid production increase the risk of developing a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor. What are the symptoms of a carcinoid tumor? Signs and symptoms of a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor depend on where the tumor develops: Carcinoid tumors in the lungs : The symptoms of a tumor in the lungs are chest pain, wheezing, diarrhea, shortness of breath, skin flushing (redness and a feeling of warmth on the face and neck), weight gain, particularly around the midsection and back, and pink or purple marks on the skin, which look like stretch marks. Carcinoid tumors in the digestive tract : The symptoms, in this case, are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, intestinal blockage, causing an inability to pass stool, rectal bleeding and pain, and skin flushing. What are some effective management tips for the symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? Facial flushing : Avoid stress and ask your doctor about specific foods that cause facial flushing so that you can avoid them. Diarrhea : Ask your doctor for anti-diarrheal medication. Wheezing : Ask for medication that relaxes muscles in the lungs to make breathing easier. Heart problems : Discuss your heart issues with your doctor so that they can prescribe diuretics, which lower the blood pressure. Carcinoid syndrome : Use octreotide on prescription, which is the most effective medication to treat carcinoid syndrome. What is the prognosis for carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor? Carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign carcinoid tumors are small and can be removed completely. They don’t come back and don’t spread to other parts of the body. They don’t produce any symptoms as well. Malignant carcinoid tumors are large, and their cells can invade and damage the surrounding tissues and organs. Additionally, malignant cells can enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and can even form new tumors in other parts of the body. Lymph nodes, lungs, bone liver, and skin are the common sites for carcinoid metastases. Carcinoid tumors grow slowly in comparison to other cancers, such as lung, colon, pancreas, or liver cancer. Patients with larger malignant carcinoid tumors (with or without metastasis) can survive and have a good quality of life after proper treatment. Adenocarcinoids, a rare form of carcinoid tumors, are more aggressive than the typical malignant carcinoid tumors.

What Are The First Signs Of Liver Damage

Liver damage – What are the first signs? On the right side of the abdomen, below your rib cage, is an organ called the liver. It is the size of a football and is one of the most important organs in the human body. The liver aids in the digestion of the food we eat and also helps in flushing out the toxins from our body. When there is any kind of disturbance in the normal liver functioning, then it can cause a significant damage to the human body. Once you start exhibiting the signs of liver damage, it is important to get the exact diagnosis and take the next steps accordingly. What are the causes of liver damage? There can be a number of causes for liver damage: Liver infection is one of the most common causes of liver damage. Viruses and parasites can cause infections that affect the normal functioning of the liver. Hepatitis is the most common liver infection, which includes Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Some diseases will affect your immune system thereby damaging your liver too. This is called autoimmune hepatitis. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Primary Biliary Cirrhosis are of the same kind. If you have inherited an abnormal gene from any of your parents or family members, it can lead to a build up of various substances in the body and hence can damage the liver. Build up of liver cancer can be a cause. A person who is an alcohol addict is more prone to liver damage. What are the first signs of liver damage? There can be several signs of a liver damage. Here are 10 signs of liver damage that you need to pay attention to: Your eyes and skin turning yellow, which is usually a sign of jaundice. Abdominal swelling and pain are also symptoms of liver damage that you should watch out. Your ankles and legs begin to swell.. Your urine becomes dark yellow in color. There can be many reasons for dark yellow urine, but it can also be a sign of liver damage. Excessively itchy skin is also a symptom of liver damage. Loss of appetite. Getting bruises easily as your liver fails to create proteins needed for blood clotting. Vomiting and nausea for no reason. Blood in the stool or pale stool. Chronic fatigue. How is liver damage diagnosed? In order to get started with the liver damage treatment, it is very important to diagnose the symptoms of liver damage correctly. In order to start the diagnoses, your doctor will start with a physical examination, followed by requesting details of your health history. Liver function tests, which are blood tests will be done at the initial stage. MRI Scan and CT scan kind of image tests are done. Tissue analysis is also done to get an accurate idea of the problem . How is liver damage treated? The treatment for the liver damage depends on the type and severity of damage. Some stages can be treated with just slight modifications to the diet and lifestyle like weight reduction, no smoking or alcohol. Further stages will require medication and severe condition will need a surgery. If your liver has failed completely, then you will have to go for a liver transplant, which is an expensive and time consuming process. How can liver damage be prevented? Certain changes in your lifestyle can prevent liver damage. You need to stop drinking alcohol or only drink a moderate amount to decrease pressure on your liver. Get vaccinated to prevent getting hepatitis infections. When you are spraying insecticides or other aerosol sprays, make sure that you cover your nose and also make sure to protect your skin. You need to maintain a healthy weight as there are chances of fatty liver damage as well. You should take only medicine that is prescribed to you and make sure that you do not take any medicine in excess or without talking to your doctor.