Understanding the Progression and Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric carcinoma, develops when abnormal cells form along the stomach lining. Early-stage symptoms are often absent, making diagnosis challenging. While less common than other cancers, its subtle signs can delay detection, allowing the disease to spread unnoticed. Symptoms during advanced stages include persistent indigestion, unintentional weight loss, abdominal pain, bleeding, and fatigue. Risks increase with factors like diet, obesity, and GERD. Staging, primarily via the TNM system, assesses tumor depth, lymph node involvement, and metastasis, guiding treatment. Diagnosis involves endoscopy, imaging, and sometimes exploratory surgery. Treatment varies from surgery to radiation and chemotherapy, depending on the stage. Early detection is crucial for better outcomes.