CARCINOMA OF STOMACH

Carcinoma of Stomach

Definition

Carcinoma of the stomach, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the stomach lining.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors

• Incidence is high in East Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe.
• Risk factors include:
  • Age (65+ years)
  • Sex (male)
  • Family history of gastric cancer
  • Infection with Helicobacter pylori
  • Low socioeconomic status
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Poor diet

Etiological Factors

• Helicobacter pylori infection
• Genetic predisposition
• Environmental factors (diet, lifestyle)
• Chronic atrophic gastritis
• Intestinal metaplasia

Pathological Types

• Adenocarcinoma (80-90%): The most common type, arising from the glandular cells of the stomach lining.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: Arising from the squamous cells of the stomach lining.
• Mucoid carcinoma: A rare type of adenocarcinoma.
• Lymphoma: A type of cancer that affects the immune system.

Clinical Features

• Weight loss
• Anaemia
• Pain (abdominal, epigastric)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite

Diagnostic Methods

• Endoscopy: Visual examination of the stomach lining
• Biopsy: Removal of tissue for examination under a microscope
• CT scan: Imaging of the stomach and surrounding tissues
• MRI: Imaging of the stomach and surrounding tissues
• Tumour markers: Blood tests to detect cancer-related proteins

TNM Staging

• T: Tumour size and extent
• N: Lymph node involvement
• M: Metastasis to distant organs

Complications

• Bleeding
• Obstruction
• Perforation
• Metastasis

Treatment Options

• Surgery: Removal of the tumour and affected tissues
• Chemotherapy: Use of medications to kill cancer cells
• Radiotherapy: Use of radiation to kill cancer cells
• Targeted therapy: Use of medications to target specific cancer cells

Homoeopathic Therapeutics

• Phosphorus (indicated for cancerous growths, bleeding, and pain)
• Carcinoma (indicated for cancerous growths, pain, and bleeding)
• Arsenic album (indicated for cancerous growths, pain, and bleeding)
• Belladonna (indicated for pain, inflammation, and bleeding)
• Conium (indicated for pain, numbness, and weakness)