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Stomach Cancer Awareness Month

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Stomach cancer awareness month

November is Stomach Cancer Awareness Month

Gastric cancer or Stomach Cancer Awareness Month is a global healthcare event for the awareness of gastric cancer, which is observed for the entire month of November. It’s a month full of care and love for those who need it. The Lavender blue-colored ribbon brings awareness and support to stomach c
Learn More
About Dr. Shah

Importance of stomach cancer awareness month

November is Gastric Cancer Awareness Month, a global effort for 12 years now. In 2023, an estimated 1,089,103 people were diagnosed with the disease in 2020. Stomach cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. 

November is Stomach Cancer Awareness Month

Stomach cancer awareness month
Gastric cancer or Stomach Cancer Awareness Month is a global healthcare event for the awareness of gastric cancer, which is observed for the entire month of November. It’s a month full of care and love for those who need it. The Lavender blue-colored ribbon brings awareness and support to stomach c
Learn More
About Dr. Shah

Importance of Stomach Cancer Awareness Month

November is Gastric Cancer Awareness Month, a global effort for 12 years now. In 2023, an estimated 1,089,103 people were diagnosed with the disease in 2020. Stomach cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world.

What are the risk factors (causes) for stomach cancer?

Several factors can increase one’s risk of developing stomach cancer, including:
Stomach cancer

⦿ H. pylori infection: This bacterial infection is a major risk factor for stomach cancer.

⦿ Diet: A diet high in processed meats, red meat, salted foods, and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk.

⦿ Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of stomach cancer.

⦿ Family history: Having a family history of stomach cancer increases one’s risk.

⦿ Age: Stomach cancer is more common in older adults, particularly those over 50.

What are the risk factors (causes) for stomach cancer?

Several factors can increase one’s risk of developing stomach cancer, including:

⦿ H. pylori infection: This bacterial infection is a major risk factor for stomach cancer.

⦿ Diet: A diet high in processed meats, red meat, salted foods, and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk.

⦿ Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of stomach cancer.

⦿ Family history: Having a family history of stomach cancer increases one’s risk.

⦿ Age: Stomach cancer is more common in older adults, particularly those over 50.

Stomach cancer

What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?

Early-stage stomach cancer often goes unnoticed, but as the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:
⦿ Indigestion or heartburn
⦿ Unexplained weight loss
⦿ Loss of appetite
⦿ Abdominal pain or discomfort
⦿ Nausea or vomiting
⦿ Blood in the stool
⦿ Fatigue
⦿ Difficulty swallowing
Symptoms of stomach cancer
⦿ Indigestion or heartburn
⦿ Unexplained weight loss
⦿ Loss of appetite
⦿ Abdominal pain or discomfort
⦿ Nausea or vomiting
⦿ Blood in the stool
⦿ Fatigue
⦿ Difficulty swallowing
Symptoms of stomach cancer

What are the locations of stomach cancer?

The location of stomach cancer is important for determining treatment options. For example, early-stage stomach cancer in the fundus may be treated with endoscopic resection, while more advanced cancer in the antrum may require surgery. Three main locations of stomach cancer are:
Locations of stomach cancer

Fundus: The fundus is the upper part of the stomach, located just below the esophagus. It is the most common site for early-stage stomach cancer.

Body: The body is the middle part of the stomach. It is where most stomach cancers develop.

Antrum: The antrum is the lower part of the stomach. It is where food is churned and mixed with digestive juices before it enters the small intestine.

Endoscopy + Biopsy

How is stomach cancer diagnosed?

Endoscopy + Biopsy

Endoscopy & Biopsy: 

If a suspicious-looking ulcer or growth is found on endoscopy, the biopsy will be done. 

A small sample of tissue is removed from the stomach lining and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Play Video about Ca Stomach- Upper GI Endoscopy by Dr. Harsh Shah
Play Video about Carcinoma GEJ (Gastroesophageal Junction)- Upper GI Endoscopy by Dr. Harsh Shah

What is the staging of stomach cancer?

Staging stomach cancer is important for determining treatment options. There are several ways to stage stomach cancer, including:
Staging of stomach cancer
EUS - Stomach Cancer
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): EUS is an ultrasound examination that uses a thin, flexible tube with a sound wave emitter and receiver on the end. This tube is inserted down the throat and into the stomach to create detailed images of the stomach wall and nearby lymph nodes.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): EUS is an ultrasound examination that uses a thin, flexible tube with a sound wave emitter and receiver on the end. This tube is inserted down the throat and into the stomach to create detailed images of the stomach wall and nearby lymph nodes.
Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan is an X-ray that uses a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body. CT scans can be used to see the size and location of the stomach cancer, as well as whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
 
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: A PET scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging that uses a radioactive tracer to create images of the body. PET scans can be used to see if the stomach cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or bones.

What are the stages of stomach cancer?

The stage of stomach cancer is important for determining treatment options and prognosis. Early-stage stomach cancer may be treated with surgery, while more advanced cancer may require surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.
Stages of stomach cancer
Here is a table for the stages of stomach cancer:
StageDescription
0Cancer is confined to the inner lining of the stomach.
1Cancer mucosal layer of the stomach wall.
2Cancer has grown into the muscle layer of the stomach wall.
3Cancer has grown through the outer lining of the stomach wall or into nearby lymph nodes.
4Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or bones.

What are the treatment options for stomach cancer?

The treatment approach for stomach cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. Treatment options may include:
Treatment options for stomach cancer

⦿ Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for stomach cancer. The type of surgery depends on the extent of the cancer.

⦿ Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using drugs to destroy cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery or as the primary treatment. The most common mode of treatment is chemotherapy followed by surgery followed by chemotherapy.

⦿ Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery or to relieve symptoms in advanced-stage cancer.

⦿ Targeted therapy: These drugs target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and proliferation. They may be used in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

What is the survival rate for stomach cancer?

The survival rate for stomach cancer varies depending on the stage of diagnosis. If the cancer is diagnosed and treated before it has spread outside the stomach, the 5-year relative survival rate is 72%. If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or organs and/or the regional lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate is 33%. If the cancer has spread to a distant part of the body, the 5-year relative survival rate is 6%.

How can I reduce my risk of stomach cancer?

Preventative measures include:
⦿ Maintaining a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
⦿ Quitting smoking.
⦿ Limiting alcohol consumption.
⦿ Getting tested and treated for H. pylori infection.
⦿ Maintaining a healthy weight.
⦿ Getting screening upper endoscopy if positive family history.
Dr. Harsh Shah

Dr. Harsh Shah

Dr Harsh Shah is a specialized stomach cancer surgeon in Ahmedabad. He is practising at Apollo Hospital, Ahmedabad.

Dr. Harsh Shah

Dr. Harsh Shah

Dr Harsh Shah is a specialized stomach cancer surgeon in Ahmedabad. He is practising at Apollo Hospital, Ahmedabad.

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

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Pancreatic cancer awareness month

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a month full of care and love for those who need it. The Purple-colored ribbon brings awareness and support to pancreatic cancer.
Learn More
About Dr. Shah

Importance of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Every year, about 8.2 lakhs of people die from cancer, and 4 lakhs of them die prematurely. Pancreatic cancer, the 7th most common cause of cancer-related death, doesn’t get enough attention, and not many people know about it. The lack of funds and the idea that pancreatic cancer is hard to treat have kept survival rates (which are 3-8%) from improving for almost 50 years.

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Pancreatic cancer awareness month
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a month full of care and love for those who need it. The Purple-colored ribbon brings awareness and support to pancreatic cancer.
Learn More
About Dr. Shah

Importance of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Every year, about 8.2 lakhs of people die from cancer, and 4 lakhs of them die prematurely. Pancreatic cancer, the 7th most common cause of cancer-related death, doesn’t get enough attention, and not many people know about it. The lack of funds and the idea that pancreatic cancer is hard to treat have kept survival rates (which are 3-8%) from improving for almost 50 years.

What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreas Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that begins in the pancreas, a gland that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive types of cancer, and it is often difficult to detect and treat in the early stages.

What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that begins in the pancreas, a gland that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive types of cancer, and it is often difficult to detect and treat in the early stages.
Pancreas Cancer

What are the locations of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer can occur anywhere in the pancreas, but it is most common in the head of the pancreas. The head of the pancreas is the part of the pancreas that is closest to the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.
locations of pancreatic cancer - Pancreas head tumour
locations of pancreatic cancer-Pancreas Body tumour
Other locations of pancreatic cancer include:
⦿ The body of the pancreas
⦿ The tail of the pancreas
⦿ The islets of Langerhans, clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin and other hormones
Pancreatic cancer can also spread to other organs in the body, such as the liver, lungs, and bones.

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Early pancreatic cancer often does not cause any symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, it may cause symptoms such as:
 
⦿ Upper abdominal pain
⦿ Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
⦿ Weight loss
⦿ Fatigue
⦿ Changes in appetite
⦿ Nausea and vomiting
⦿ Back pain

What are the risk factors of pancreatic cancer?

The risk factors for pancreatic cancer include:

⦿ Age: Pancreatic cancer is most common in people over the age of 65.
⦿ Smoking: Smoking is the leading risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
⦿ Obesity: People who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
⦿ Diabetes: People with diabetes have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
⦿ Family history: People with a family history of pancreatic cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease.

What are the Staging and Stages of Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreas cancer is staged with the help of CECT Abdomen. The surgeon may ask for a CT Angiography to look for vascular involvement. In certain clinical scenarios, the surgeon may choose for PET-CT Scan which will scan entire body for tumour evidence. Blood CA 19-9 levels is a helpful marker in a non-jaundiced patient.

Staging of pancreatic cancer
What are the stages of pancreatic cancer
Pancreas Cancer is staged from stage 1 to stage 4. Stage 1 will have a better survival as compared to stage 4.
Stage 0: Cancer is only in the top layers of pancreatic duct cells.
Stage 1: Cancer is localized to the pancreas.
Stage 2: Cancer may have grown into nearby tissues.
Stage 3: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 4: Cancer has metastasized to distant organs.

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed using a combination of tests, including:
⦿ Imaging tests, such as CT scans and MRI scans, to create pictures of the pancreas and other organs in the abdomen.
⦿ Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure to remove a small sample of tissue from the pancreas for testing under a microscope.

What are the tests for the Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is diagnosed based upon the CT Scan finding of mass in head region or periampullary region of pancreas. EUS(Endoscopic Ultrasound) guided biopsy can confirm the nature of the disease. ERCP(Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography) is used to place a stent in bile duct if there is a need to reduce the jaundice.
EUS for pancreatic cancer treatment
ERCP for pancreatic cancer treatment

What are the treatment options for pancreatic cancer?

The treatment options for pancreatic cancer depend on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options may include:
Pancreatic cancer surgery

Surgery

Effective for localized cancer, not spread to other organs.

Chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer

Chemotherapy

Uses drugs to kill cancer cells, used before or after surgery or as the primary treatment.

Radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer

Radiation therapy

Kills cancer cells with high-energy rays, used sometimes before or after surgery or as the main treatment when the patient is unfit for an operation.

Targeted-therapy-for-pancreatic-cancer

Targeted therapy

Targets specific molecules in cancer cell growth, often combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Used in advanced disease.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy

For advanced pancreatic cancer.

How to reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer?

There are many things people can do to reduce their risk of developing pancreatic cancer, including:
⦿ Screening for pancreatic cancer, if you have a family history
⦿ Quitting smoking
⦿ Maintaining a healthy weight
⦿ Eating a healthy diet
⦿ Exercising regularly
 
If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer, talk to your doctor about your risk and whether you should be screened for the disease.

Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for Liver Tumors

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Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for Liver Tumors

TACE - Transarterial Chemoembolization for Liver Tumors

Transarterial Chemoembolization, or TACE for short, is a special way to treat liver tumors. It combines two things: chemo (medicine to kill cancer cells) and embolization (blocking blood vessels that feed the tumor).
Learn More
About Dr. Shah

Who can get TACE treatment for liver tumors?

TACE is usually for people with liver cancer, especially if they can’t have surgery or liver transplant. Doctors will decide if TACE is the right choice based on the patient’s condition and the tumor size and location.

TACE - Transarterial Chemoembolization for Liver Tumors

Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for Liver Tumors
Transarterial Chemoembolization, or TACE for short, is a special way to treat liver tumors. It combines two things: chemo (medicine to kill cancer cells) and embolization (blocking blood vessels that feed the tumor).
Learn More
About Dr. Shah

Who can get TACE treatment for liver tumors?

TACE is usually for people with liver cancer, especially if they can’t have surgery or liver transplant. Doctors will decide if TACE is the right choice based on the patient’s condition and the tumor size and location.

How does TACE work to treat liver tumors?

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)
During TACE, doctors put tiny beads filled with chemotherapy directly into the blood vessels that supply the tumor. These beads release medicine to attack the cancer cells while also blocking the blood flow to the tumor, making it harder for it to grow.

How does TACE work to treat liver tumors?

During TACE, doctors put tiny beads filled with chemotherapy directly into the blood vessels that supply the tumor. These beads release medicine to attack the cancer cells while also blocking the blood flow to the tumor, making it harder for it to grow.
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)
Liver cancer

What are the benefits of TACE for liver tumors?

TACE can help slow down or shrink liver tumors. It can also ease symptoms like pain and discomfort. It’s less invasive than surgery, which means a shorter recovery time.

Is TACE a one-time treatment, or need to have it more than once?

Sometimes, TACE is done more than once. It depends on how the tumor responds. Doctors might repeat the treatment to make sure they get all the cancer cells.

Are there any side effects or things to watch out for after TACE?

After TACE, some people might feel tired, have a low fever, or experience pain at the treatment site. Serious complications are rare but can include liver damage or infection. It is common to have elevated liver enzymes i.e. SGOT/SGPT after TACE procedure.

liver transplantation

Are there alternative treatments to RFA for liver tumors?

TACE might not cure liver cancer completely, but it can help manage it and improve the patient’s quality of life. It’s often used when a cure isn’t possible. It is commonly used as a bridge to liver transplant i.e. those cirrhoticpatients with liver tumours, who are in the waiting list for transplant.

How long does it take to recover from TACE treatment?

Recovery time varies from person to person, but many people can go back to their normal activities within a week or so after TACE. Your doctor will give you guidance on what to expect.

Are there other treatments for liver tumors besides TACE?

Yes, there are other treatments like surgery, radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, radiation therapy, and different types of chemotherapy. The choice depends on the patient’s specific situation.
radiofrequency ablation - RFA

Can children get TACE for liver tumors, or is it only for adults?

TACE is usually done in adults, but sometimes, doctors may consider it for older teenagers or young adults with specific types of liver tumors. It’s essential to talk to a pediatric oncologist for children’s cancer treatment options.