Gastric Cancer | DiBS | Nextillo

1. NEXTILLO_ #DIBS BY NEXTILLO GASTRIC CANCER DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN SERVICE NEXTILLO.COM

2. #DIBSBYNEXTILLO DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN SERVICE GASTRIC CANCER Gastric cancer often presents in its later stages, which is why it is sometimes diagnosed late. The symptoms are nonspecific, especially in the early stages, and may resemble other gastrointestinal disorders. NEXTILLO.COM

3. VISUAL REPRESENTATION NEXTILLO.COM

4. SYMPTOMS Upper abdominal pain or discomfort: A dull or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen. Loss of appetite (anorexia): Patients may feel full quickly, or have no desire to eat. Nausea and vomiting: Frequent nausea or vomiting, sometimes with blood (indicating internal bleeding). Unintentional weight loss: Significant weight loss without changes in diet or physical activity. Bleeding: Vomiting blood (hematemesis) or the presence of blood in stools, which may appear black and tarry (melena). Difficulty swallowing: Especially if the cancer affects the area near the esophagus or pyloric region. Bloating: A feeling of fullness or bloating after meals, which can be mistaken for indigestion. NEXTILLO.COM

5. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis of gastric cancer involves several diagnostic steps: Endoscopy (Gastroscopy): A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to visualize the stomach lining for any abnormalities or tumors. Biopsy: During endoscopy, tissue samples (biopsy) are taken from suspected areas for histological examination to confirm malignancy. Imaging studies: CT Scan: To evaluate the size of the tumor and check for metastasis (spread to other organs). Ultrasound: Helps assess the tumor’s involvement with surrounding organs. MRI: Used to provide detailed images, particularly for staging purposes. Laparoscopy: In some cases, a laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgical procedure) may be performed to assess the extent of disease spread in the peritoneum (abdominal cavity). 1. 2. 3. NEXTILLO.COM

6. LAB INVESTIGATIONS Blood Tests: These tests can help in assessing the overall health of the patient and in detecting any complications: Complete Blood Count (CBC): May show anemia due to chronic blood loss. Liver Function Tests: Elevated liver enzymes could suggest liver metastasis. Tumor Markers: Serum CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) and CA 19-9 levels may be elevated in gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori test: As H. pylori infection is a known risk factor for gastric cancer, its presence may warrant investigation and treatment. 1. 2. 3. 4. NEXTILLO.COM

7. TREATMENT Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, but the main options include: Surgical resection: If the tumor is localized, a gastrectomy (partial or total removal of the stomach) may be performed. The extent of surgery depends on the tumor’s location and spread. Chemotherapy: This is often used as adjuvant therapy (after surgery) or for advanced cancer. Drugs like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), cisplatin, and oxaliplatin are commonly used. Radiotherapy: Used in palliative settings to relieve symptoms or in combination with chemotherapy for advanced or inoperable cancers. Targeted therapy: Drugs targeting specific genetic mutations in the cancer cells (such as trastuzumab for HER2-positive cancers). Immunotherapy: In cases of advanced or metastatic disease, immune checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab may be used, especially if the tumor has high microsatellite instability (MSI-H). NEXTILLO.COM

8. MCQ QUESTION: Which of the following is the most definitive diagnostic method for gastric carcinoma?s A) Endoscopy with biopsy B) Abdominal ultrasound C) CT scan of the abdomen D) Upper gastrointestinal series Answer: A) Endoscopy with biopsy NEXTILLO.COM