The fundus of the stomach is the upper part of the stomach that sits above the level of the opening of the esophagus. Cancer in this area is known as fundus of stomach cancer. It’s a type of gastric cancer that can affect how your stomach functions and can lead to serious health issues if not treated.
Types of Fundus of Stomach Cancer
- Adenocarcinoma: The most common type, starting in the cells lining the stomach.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Starts in the squamous cells lining the stomach.
- Small Cell Carcinoma: A rare type that grows quickly.
- Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: Contains cells that look like rings under a microscope.
- Lymphoma: Cancer that starts in the lymphatic tissue in the stomach.
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): Tumors that start in the supportive tissue of the stomach.
- Carcinoid Tumors: Rare tumors that start in hormone-producing cells.
- Mixed-Type Carcinoma: A combination of different types of stomach cancer.
- High-Grade and Low-Grade Carcinomas: Differentiated by how aggressive the cancer is.
- Primary and Secondary Cancers: Primary starts in the fundus; secondary (metastatic) spreads from another part of the body.
Causes of Fundus of Stomach Cancer
- Helicobacter pylori Infection: A common bacterial infection linked to stomach cancer.
- Smoking: Increases the risk of many types of cancer, including stomach cancer.
- Heavy Alcohol Use: Chronic alcohol consumption can contribute to stomach cancer.
- Poor Diet: Diets high in salty, smoked, or pickled foods may increase risk.
- Family History: Genetic factors can make some people more susceptible.
- Age: Risk increases with age, especially over 50.
- Gender: Men are generally more likely to develop stomach cancer than women.
- Obesity: Excess weight can increase cancer risk.
- Chronic Gastritis: Long-term inflammation of the stomach lining.
- Previous Stomach Surgery: Surgeries that affect the stomach may increase risk.
- Gastric Polyps: Growths in the stomach that can become cancerous.
- Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Long-term exposure to chemicals in certain jobs.
- Genetic Mutations: Changes in DNA can lead to cancer.
- Pernicious Anemia: A condition that affects the absorption of vitamin B12.
- Low Socioeconomic Status: Limited access to healthcare and healthy food.
- Radiation Exposure: Previous radiation therapy for other cancers.
- Exposure to Asbestos: Linked to various types of cancer.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions where the immune system attacks the stomach lining.
- Chronic Acid Reflux: Long-term acid reflux can damage the stomach lining.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Symptoms of Fundus of Stomach Cancer
- Abdominal Pain: Persistent pain or discomfort in the stomach area.
- Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach or actually vomiting.
- Vomiting Blood: Throwing up blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
- Loss of Appetite: Not feeling hungry or eating less than usual.
- Weight Loss: Unintentional loss of weight without trying.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Pain or difficulty when eating or drinking.
- Heartburn: Burning sensation in the chest or throat.
- Feeling Full Quickly: Feeling full after eating only a small amount.
- Bloating: Swelling or feeling of fullness in the stomach.
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.
- Anemia: Low red blood cell count, causing tiredness and weakness.
- Dark Stools: Black or tarry stools indicating possible bleeding.
- Swelling in the Abdomen: Increased fluid or swelling in the stomach area.
- Persistent Cough: A cough that doesn’t go away, especially if blood is involved.
- Back Pain: Pain in the back that may radiate from the stomach area.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes near the stomach.
- Indigestion: General discomfort or issues with digestion.
- Weakness: General feeling of weakness or lack of strength.
- Fever: Unexplained fever that persists.
Diagnostic Tests for Fundus of Stomach Cancer
- Endoscopy: A tube with a camera is inserted to view the stomach.
- Biopsy: Taking a sample of stomach tissue for examination.
- CT Scan: Detailed imaging to check for cancer spread.
- MRI Scan: Imaging to view detailed structures inside the body.
- Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of the stomach.
- PET Scan: Detects cancerous cells and their activity.
- Barium Swallow: X-ray imaging after drinking a barium solution.
- Blood Tests: Checks for anemia or other abnormalities.
- Stool Tests: To check for hidden blood in the stool.
- Laparoscopy: Minimally invasive surgery to view inside the abdomen.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound: Combines endoscopy with ultrasound for detailed images.
- Genetic Testing: Identifies mutations that could indicate cancer.
- X-Ray: Basic imaging to check for abnormalities.
- PET-CT Scan: Combines PET and CT scans for comprehensive imaging.
- Molecular Testing: Identifies specific cancer-related markers in tissue samples.
- Serum Tumor Markers: Blood tests for substances produced by cancer cells.
- Endoscopic Biopsy: Biopsy done during an endoscopy procedure.
- Peritoneal Fluid Analysis: Tests fluid from the abdomen for cancer cells.
- Bone Scan: Checks if cancer has spread to the bones.
- Genetic Profiling: Detailed genetic analysis of cancer cells.
Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Fundus of Stomach Cancer
- Surgery: Removal of the cancerous part of the stomach.
- Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Drug treatment to kill cancer cells, often used before or after surgery.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.
- Nutritional Therapy: Diet changes to help manage symptoms and support overall health.
- Pain Management: Methods to control pain, including physical therapy and acupuncture.
- Palliative Care: Focuses on improving quality of life and managing symptoms.
- Support Groups: Emotional and practical support from others with cancer.
- Counseling: Psychological support to help cope with cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Exercise Therapy: Gentle exercise to improve strength and stamina.
- Mind-Body Techniques: Methods like meditation or yoga to reduce stress.
- Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake.
- Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs may support overall well-being (consult a healthcare provider first).
- Acupuncture: May help manage symptoms like nausea.
- Massage Therapy: Helps with pain and stress relief.
- Complementary Therapies: Methods such as aromatherapy to enhance comfort.
- Energy Healing: Practices like Reiki to improve overall wellness.
- Wound Care: Proper care of surgical or other treatment-related wounds.
- Hydration Therapy: Ensuring adequate fluid intake for overall health.
- Holistic Medicine: Integrative approaches that consider the whole person.
- Stress Management: Techniques to manage stress, such as relaxation exercises.
- Sleep Management: Ensuring quality sleep for better recovery.
- Social Support: Engaging with family and friends for emotional support.
- Pain Management Clinics: Specialized centers for managing chronic pain.
- Behavioral Therapy: Techniques to address emotional and behavioral challenges.
- Yoga and Stretching: For physical flexibility and relaxation.
- Dietary Supplements: Vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
- Counseling Services: Professional help for coping with cancer-related stress.
- Spiritual Care: Support for spiritual needs and concerns.
Drugs for Fundus of Stomach Cancer
- Cisplatin: A chemotherapy drug used to kill cancer cells.
- Fluorouracil: Often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
- Docetaxel: Another chemotherapy drug targeting cancer cells.
- Oxaliplatin: Used for advanced gastric cancer treatment.
- Capecitabine: A chemotherapy drug that turns into fluorouracil in the body.
- Trastuzumab: Targets HER2-positive cancer cells.
- Ramucirumab: A drug that helps block blood supply to the tumor.
- Paclitaxel: Used for treating various cancers including stomach cancer.
- Imatinib: For gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).
- Sunitinib: Used for GISTs and some other cancers.
- Pembrolizumab: An immunotherapy drug that helps the immune system fight cancer.
- Nivolumab: Another type of immunotherapy.
- Bevacizumab: Blocks blood supply to tumors.
- Epirubicin: Used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
- Doxorubicin: A chemotherapy drug used for various cancers.
- Irinotecan: A drug that interferes with cancer cell DNA.
- Mitomycin: Used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
- Dabrafenib: For specific genetic mutations in tumors.
- Trametinib: Often used with dabrafenib for certain cancer types.
- Larotrectinib: Targets specific genetic changes in tumors.
Surgeries for Fundus of Stomach Cancer
- Gastrectomy: Removal of part or all of the stomach.
- Subtotal Gastrectomy: Removing a portion of the stomach.
- Total Gastrectomy: Removal of the entire stomach.
- Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive surgery using small incisions.
- Endoscopic Resection: Removing cancer through an endoscope.
- Whipple Procedure: Involves removal of part of the pancreas, stomach, and intestines.
- Gastrostomy: Creating an opening in the stomach for feeding.
- Palliative Surgery: To relieve symptoms or improve quality of life.
- Reconstructive Surgery: Restoring normal function after gastrectomy.
- Peritoneal Surgery: Removing cancer cells from the abdominal cavity.
Preventing Fundus of Stomach Cancer
- Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Avoid Smoking: Quit smoking to reduce cancer risk.
- Limit Alcohol: Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption.
- Regular Exercise: Maintain a healthy weight through physical activity.
- Prevent Helicobacter pylori Infection: Get treated if you have this infection.
- Regular Medical Checkups: Monitor and manage risk factors.
- Limit Salt and Preserved Foods: Reduce intake of salty and preserved foods.
- Manage Chronic Conditions: Treat chronic gastritis or other digestive issues.
- Genetic Testing: If you have a family history, consider genetic testing.
- Vaccination: Get vaccinated against HPV if recommended by your doctor.
When to See a Doctor
- Persistent Symptoms: If you experience symptoms like persistent pain, nausea, or weight loss.
- Family History: If you have a family history of stomach cancer.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without any clear reason.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Trouble swallowing that doesn’t improve.
- Blood in Vomit or Stool: Any signs of bleeding in vomit or stool.
- Severe Abdominal Pain: Persistent and severe pain in the stomach area.
- Persistent Heartburn: Heartburn that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter medications.
- Unusual Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or weakness without explanation.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- Bloating: Persistent bloating that affects daily life.
Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.