By Dr. Shivpal Saini, MBBS, MS, MCh (Surgical Oncology) – HCG Cancer Centre, Jaipur
1. What is Carcinoma of the Stomach?
Carcinoma of the stomach, commonly known as gastric cancer, originates from the inner lining of the stomach. Approximately 95% are adenocarcinomas, subdivided into:
Intestinal type: Forms gland-like structures and ulcerates; more common in older men, linked to environmental factors.
Diffuse type: Poorly differentiated, infiltrative (“leather-bottle” stomach), more aggressive and prevalent in younger individuals, especially with genetic predisposition .
2. Risk Factors & Pathogenesis
A. Helicobacter pylori
H. pylori infection is the strongest risk factor, implicated in 60–80% of distal gastric cancers .
Chronic infection leads to gastritis → atrophy → intestinal metaplasia → dysplasia → carcinoma .
B. Other Risk Contributors
Diet: High salt, smoked, pickled foods, nitrates; low fruits/vegetables.
Lifestyle: Smoking, obesity, alcohol, occupational exposure (asbestos, coal, rubber) .
Genetics: 10% familial; syndromes like HDGC (CDH1 mutation) account for 1–3% .
Others: Pernicious anemia, Epstein-Barr virus, blood group A, prior gastric surgery .
3. Early Signs & Warning Symptoms
Symptoms of gastric carcinoma are often subtle early on, leading to delayed diagnosis:
Stage Symptoms
Early Indigestion, heartburn, bloating, early satiety, mild nausea
Advanced Abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea/vomiting, blood in vomit/stool, anemia, palpable mass/rigidity
4. Diagnostic Approach
Clinical Exam & History – Evaluate symptoms, risk factors, family history.
Upper GI Endoscopy (OGD) – Direct visualization and biopsy of suspected lesions .
Imaging – CT, PET‑CT, Endoscopic Ultrasound for staging depth and spread .
Biopsy & Histopathology – Confirms subtype and grading.
Molecular Testing – HER2, PD‑L1, MSI/dMMR guide targeted/immunotherapy .
Blood Markers – CEA, CA 19‑9 support monitoring.
5. Staging & Prognosis
Stages range from 0 (in situ) to IV (metastatic), typically classified by TNM.
Five-year survival depends heavily on stage:
Early/localized: ~70–75%
Regional spread: ~35–40%
Advanced/metastatic: 10% .
6. Treatment Modalities
A. Surgery (Dr. Shivpal Saini’s Speciality)
Endoscopic resection for very early cases.
Subtotal gastrectomy + lymph node removal for localized cancer.
Total gastrectomy for diffuse/stomach-wide tumors, connecting esophagus to intestine .
B. Chemotherapy & Radiation
Neoadjuvant (pre-surgery) to shrink tumors.
Adjuvant (post-surgery) to eliminate residual disease.
Regimens include FLOT (5‑FU, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin, Docetaxel) commonly used in advanced cases .
C. Targeted & Immune-Based Therapies
Trastuzumab for HER2-positive tumors.
Ramucirumab, Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), Nivolumab (Opdivo) for advanced or metastatic disease .
7. Prevention & Surveillance
Eradicate H. pylori infection to reduce cancer risk (~60+% of cases) .
Dietary modification: increase fresh fruits, vegetables, antioxidants; reduce salt/pickles .
Screen high-risk individuals (family history, syndromes like HDGC) with endoscopy.
Lifelong surveillance essential for genetic carriers.
8. Why Choose Dr. Shivpal Saini in Jaipur
MBBS & MS from AIIMS, New Delhi; MCh from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
1,400+ complex cancer surgeries (GI, gastric, thoracic, breast).
Expert in both open and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) gastric surgeries .
Personalized, evidence-based treatment tailored to your cancer subtype and stage.
Available at the HCG Cancer Centre, Jaipur — India’s top oncology network and
Bombay Cancer Care and Senior Citizen Clinic.
https://www.cancerandseniorcitizencare.com/
🔚 Final Take
Carcinoma of the stomach is a challenging but treatable disease—early detection drastically improves outcomes. Dr. Shivpal Saini offers world-class surgical oncology care in Jaipur with cutting-edge techniques, personalized planning, and holistic support. If you or a loved one show any gastric cancer warning signs—or have risk factors—don’t wait.
Book a consultation now at Bombay Cancer Care and Senior Citizen Clinic (https://www.cancerandseniorcitizencare.com/), and take control of your health.
Ready to discuss your case?
📞 Contact: Bombay Cancer Care and Senior Citizen Clinic (https://www.cancerandseniorcitizencare.com/)
Online & in-person appointments available.