Gastric cancer and gastric cancer
Oesophageal carcinoma and gastric carcinoma are serious diseases that can be caused by risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and chronic infections. Early diagnosis and individual treatment options significantly increase the chances of successful therapy.
Causes and risk factors
Esophageal cancer develops in the mucous membrane of the esophagus. The main risk factors include
- Smoking: Tobacco consumption significantly increases the risk.
- Alcohol consumption: Regular, excessive alcohol consumption can damage the mucous membrane.
- Reflux disease: Chronic reflux of stomach acid can lead to changes in the mucous membrane.
Stomach cancer affects the stomach lining. Risk factors are
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori: This bacterium can cause chronic inflammation.
- Diet: A low-fiber diet with a high proportion of salted or smoked foods can increase the risk.
- Genetic predisposition: A family history of stomach cancer may indicate a genetic predisposition.
Symptoms: Recognize warning signs
In the early stages, both types of cancer often cause no or non-specific symptoms. Possible signs are
- Difficulty swallowing: Especially with esophageal cancer, swallowing food can be painful or difficult.
- Unintentional weight loss: Significant weight loss for no apparent reason.
- Loss of appetite and nausea: These symptoms can occur particularly with stomach cancer.
- Heartburn and indigestion: Persistent heartburn can indicate changes in the esophagus.
Diagnostic options
- Endoscopy: A gastroscopy allows the mucous membrane to be viewed directly and tissue samples to be taken.
- Imaging procedures: Ultrasound, CT or MRI help to assess the spread of the tumor.
- Laboratory tests: Blood tests can provide indications of tumor markers.
Modern treatment approaches
The therapy depends on the stage of the disease and the patient’s general state of health. Possible treatment approaches are
- Endoscopic procedures: In early stages, minimally invasive techniques can be used to remove tumors.
- Surgery: Removal of the tumor is often the main focus if the tumor is still localized. In the case of stomach cancer, this may mean a partial or total gastrectomy.
- Immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy: use of drugs that kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth.
- Radiotherapy: Targeted radiation to destroy tumor cells, often in combination with other therapies.
Life after treatment
After a gastrectomy, it is essential to adapt your eating habits. Since the stomach is missing, the esophagus is directly connected to the small intestine. This requires several small meals a day and eating slowly to get the body used to the new digestive situation. Hot, fatty or high-fibre foods should be avoided to minimize discomfort. Regular vitamin B12 injections are also necessary, as the absorption of this vitamin is no longer possible without the stomach.
Prevention
- Avoid smoking and moderate alcohol consumption: these reduce the risk considerably.
- Healthy diet: A high-fiber diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables supports stomach and esophageal health.
- Regular check-ups: Regular check-ups are particularly important if you have a family history or existing risk factors.