GEM Cancer Centre

What is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that forms in the lining of the stomach. It often develops slowly over many years and may go undetected in its early stages because symptoms are vague or mild.

Signs and Symptoms

Persistent stomach pain
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen
Nausea and vomiting
Blood in stool

Cause and risk factors:

Stomach cancer develops when cells in the stomach lining grow abnormally. While the exact cause is often unclear, several risk factors are known to increase the likelihood of developing the disease:

HPV Infection
More common in people over 50 and slightly more prevalent in men.
Family History of stomach cancer may increase the risk.
Poor Diet & High intake of salty, smoked and processed foods can elevate risk.
Tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption.

Treatment options:

Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the most common treatment options for stomach (gastric) cancer. It depends on the stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health and the tumor’s location and type.

Surgery: Subtotal or total gastrectomy (removal of part or all of the stomach). Often used when cancer is localized and can be fully removed.
Chemotherapy: Uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. Can be given before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumor or after surgery (adjuvant) to eliminate remaining cells.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to target and kill cancer cells. Often combined with chemotherapy for better results.
Targeted Therapy: Drugs designed to attack specific cancer cell markers (e.g., HER2-positive tumors). Fewer side effects than standard chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy: Helps the body’s immune system recognize and fight cancer. Used in advanced or recurrent stomach cancer cases, especially with certain genetic markers.

Gem Cancer Centre takes pride as Gem Hospital , the parent organisation has perfumed more than 1000 laparoscopic stomach cancer surgeries , the largest in India.Prof C Palanivelu and his team have personally trained 100s of surgeons in the field of minimal access oncological surgery.