Stomach cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It occurs when abnormal cells in the lining of the stomach grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly improve the chances of recovery. Understanding the stages of stomach cancer is essential for choosing the right treatment and improving the outcome.
Dr. Vijay Karan Reddy, a leading Cancer Specialist in Hyderabad, provides advanced stomach cancer treatment with a patient-focused approach. His clinic offers state-of-the-art facilities and personalized care to help patients fight stomach cancer effectively. This blog explains the different stages of stomach cancer, how they are diagnosed, and the available treatment options.
What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, begins in the stomach lining. It usually starts in the innermost layer of the stomach and can grow into deeper layers over time. If not treated early, it can spread to nearby organs and other parts of the body.
The most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the glandular cells of the stomach lining. Other less common types include lymphomas (cancer of the immune tissue), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and carcinoid tumors.
How is Stomach Cancer Diagnosed?
Stomach cancer is usually diagnosed through a series of tests:
Endoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the stomach to check for abnormal growths.
Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken during the endoscopy to be examined under a microscope.
Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRI, and PET scans help determine the size and spread of the tumor.
Blood Tests: Certain blood markers can indicate the presence of stomach cancer.
Once stomach cancer is diagnosed, the next step is to determine its stage. Staging helps doctors understand how far the cancer has spread and decide the most effective treatment plan.
Stages of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is classified into five main stages: Stage 0, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 4. Each stage represents the progression of the cancer, from early to advanced.
Stage 0 – Carcinoma in Situ
Stage 0 is the earliest stage of stomach cancer. In this stage, abnormal cells are found in the inner lining of the stomach but have not yet spread to deeper layers or nearby tissues.
The cancer is non-invasive and highly treatable at this stage.
Surgery to remove the abnormal cells or part of the stomach is usually the main treatment.
The chances of a full recovery are very high when treated at this stage.
Stage 1 – Early-Stage Stomach Cancer
In Stage 1, cancer has begun to grow into the deeper layers of the stomach wall. It is divided into two sub-stages:
Stage 1A: Cancer is found in the inner layer and may have spread to a few nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 1B: Cancer has spread deeper into the stomach wall and may have reached more lymph nodes.
Treatment Options:
Surgery to remove part or all of the stomach (gastrectomy).
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells.
Stage 2 – Locally Advanced Stomach Cancer
In Stage 2, the cancer has grown into deeper layers of the stomach and has spread to nearby lymph nodes. However, it has not yet spread to distant organs.
Stage 2A: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes but not to distant organs.
Stage 2B: Cancer has invaded deeper into the stomach wall and reached more lymph nodes.
Treatment Options:
Surgery to remove the affected part of the stomach.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy to reduce the size of the tumor and prevent recurrence.
Targeted therapy may be recommended depending on the cancer type.
Stage 3 – Advanced Stomach Cancer
Stage 3 stomach cancer is considered locally advanced but not yet metastatic. Cancer has spread to nearby tissues and a larger number of lymph nodes.
Stage 3A: Cancer has invaded the muscular layers of the stomach and several lymph nodes.
Stage 3B: Cancer has spread to deeper layers and more lymph nodes.
Stage 3C: Cancer has spread to nearby organs such as the pancreas or spleen and many lymph nodes.
Treatment Options:
Surgery to remove part or all of the stomach (if possible).
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink the tumor before surgery or to destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery.
Immunotherapy or targeted therapy may be used for certain types of stomach cancer.
Stage 4 – Metastatic Stomach Cancer
Stage 4 is the most advanced stage of stomach cancer. In this stage, cancer has spread to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, bones, or brain.
Surgery is usually not an option at this stage unless it is to relieve symptoms.
The goal of treatment at this stage is to control the cancer and improve quality of life.
Treatment Options:
Chemotherapy to slow down cancer growth and reduce symptoms.
Targeted therapy or immunotherapy to improve survival and relieve symptoms.
Palliative care to manage pain and improve the patient’s comfort.
How Stomach Cancer stages affect treatment
The stage of stomach cancer plays a key role in deciding the best treatment approach. Early-stage stomach cancer (Stage 0 and Stage 1) is often treated with surgery alone or in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The chances of a complete recovery are highest when the cancer is caught early.
For Stage 2 and Stage 3, a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy is usually recommended. In some cases, targeted therapy or immunotherapy may also be used to improve outcomes.
Stage 4 stomach cancer is more challenging to treat. The focus shifts to slowing down the spread of the cancer, managing symptoms, and improving the patient’s quality of life. Palliative care plays a crucial role at this stage.
Why early detection matters
Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful stomach cancer treatment. Regular health checkups, paying attention to symptoms like persistent indigestion, unexplained weight loss, and stomach pain, and seeking medical advice promptly can help detect stomach cancer at an early stage.
Conclusion
Understanding the stages of stomach cancer is essential for choosing the right treatment. Stage 0 and Stage 1 stomach cancer are highly treatable, while Stage 2 and Stage 3 require more aggressive treatment. Stage 4 stomach cancer focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Dr. Vijay Karan Reddy’s offers advanced Stomach Cancer treatment in Hyderabad with personalized care. Consulting a specialist early can make a significant difference in the outcome of stomach cancer treatment.
