What Is Gastric (Stomach) Cancer?
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, begins when abnormal cells start multiplying within the stomach lining. These cells may form in any part of the stomach and sometimes develop at the gastroesophageal junction, where the oesophagus, or food pipe, meets the stomach. Cancer that arises in this junction is referred to as gastroesophageal cancer.
Stomach cancer is one of the five most common cancers worldwide and remains among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Because early symptoms are often subtle or resemble ordinary digestive discomfort, the condition is frequently detected at a later stage.
What Causes Stomach Cancer?
The exact cause of gastric cancer is still uncertain. What doctors know is that the disease begins when normal stomach cells experience changes in their DNA, which trigger uncontrolled growth. Over time, these cells may form a tumour capable of invading nearby tissues or spreading to other organs.
The stomach and oesophagus make up the upper part of the digestive system. The stomach’s main role is to break down food and move it to the intestines for absorption. When this process is disturbed by abnormal cell activity, cancer can slowly develop, sometimes over several years.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Gastric Cancer?
Many of the early signs of stomach cancer are similar to everyday digestive problems. If symptoms continue or worsen, medical advice should be sought. Common signs include:
● Persistent bloating or fullness
● Indigestion or heartburn
● Nausea or vomiting
● Stomach pain or discomfort
● Feeling full after small meals
● Unexplained weight loss
● Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
● Blood in the stool
Who Is at Risk of Developing Stomach Cancer?
Certain health conditions and lifestyle choices can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer, including:
● Obesity
● Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
● Stomach polyps or lymphoma
● Family history of gastric cancer
● Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
● Smoking
● Diets high in smoked or salted foods
● Low intake of fruits and vegetables
How Is Stomach Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed examination and discussion about your symptoms and medical history. To confirm whether cancer is present, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests:
● Upper Endoscopy: A thin tube with a small camera is inserted through the throat to view the stomach lining.
● Imaging Tests: CT scans or barium swallow X-rays can detect growths and determine their size and spread.
● Biopsy: A tissue sample is collected for laboratory testing.
● Blood Tests or Exploratory Surgery: These assess organ function and determine whether the cancer has spread.
Further investigations may be carried out to determine the stage of the cancer, helping the team design an appropriate treatment plan.
How Is Gastric Cancer Treated?
Treatment depends on the stage, location, and type of cancer, along with the patient’s age, overall health, and genetic profile. The goal is to remove or control the cancer and prevent it from spreading to other organs such as the liver, lungs, or lymph nodes.
1. Chemotherapy
Anti-cancer drugs are used to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given before surgery to shrink tumours or after surgery to eliminate remaining cells. It may also be combined with radiation therapy.
High-energy beams are directed at the tumour to destroy cancer cells. In advanced stages, radiation can also help reduce pain or bleeding.
3. Surgery
Surgery removes cancerous tissue and may include:
○ Early tumour removal from the stomach lining
○ Subtotal gastrectomy, which removes part of the stomach
○ Total gastrectomy, which removes the entire stomach and nearby tissue and reconnects the oesophagus to the small intestine
4. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy boosts the body’s natural defences to help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. It is often used when the disease has spread or returned after treatment.
Why Choose King’s College Hospital Dubai for Stomach Cancer Care?
At King’s College Hospital Dubai, every patient is treated with compassion and expertise. From diagnosis through recovery, you will be supported by a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, nurses, and clinical specialists.
The service is led by Dr Syed Monawer Karim, our UK-trained consultant in Medical Oncology with over 15 years of experience. Each treatment plan is personalised and aligned with global standards to achieve the best possible outcome.
Who are the Best Gastric Cancer Doctors in Dubai?
The Best Gastric Cancer Doctors in Dubai are Syed Monawer Karim and Ahmed Hassn.
For further details or to book an appointment, please contact the King’s Cancer Centre Dubai.
Faqs
الأسئلة الأكثر شيوعا
The Best Gastric Cancer Doctors in Dubai are Syed Monawer Karim and Ahmed Hassn.
The Best Hospital for Gastric Cancer in Dubai is King’s College Hospital London Dubai.
The first signs can be quite subtle. Some people feel bloated or uncomfortable after eating, while others notice frequent indigestion or heartburn that doesn’t seem to go away. As time passes, unexplained weight loss or nausea may appear, which should always be checked by a doctor.
It often can, especially when found early. Many patients respond well to surgery or chemotherapy, and in some cases both are used together. Recovery outcomes vary, but early detection gives the best chance for long-term control.
Not usually. Most people who develop gastric cancer do so without any inherited link. That said, having a close family member who has had the condition might slightly increase your risk, so routine checks and discussions with your consultant are worthwhile.
Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, keeping salt-rich and smoked foods to a minimum, and avoiding smoking can all help. Treating any H. pylori infection early also makes a difference. A healthy lifestyle overall is the simplest preventive step.
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