Stomach Cancer
The stomach is an important organ in the digestive system where food is broken down, located between the esophagus and the intestines. Due to its direct contact with food, the layer covering the inner surface of the stomach is easily affected by the properties of the food and nutrition. Stomach cancer develops when healthy cells in the stomach lining undergo genetic and environmental changes, transforming into abnormal cancer cells. While normal healthy cells grow, multiply, and die, abnormal cells exhibit uncontrolled growth and do not die. As these cells multiply, they form a tumor. The cancer cells here have a high risk of spreading to different parts of the body.
Stomach cancer is less common compared to other types of cancer, but it is harder to prevent. However, recent scientific advancements have provided significant advantages in preventing the disease before it occurs. One of the most important causes of stomach cancer is changes caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. These bacteria can be easily treated with antibiotics, reducing the risk of stomach cancer.
The most commonly observed symptoms include:
- Burning, aching, or pain in the stomach
- Nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite
- Early satiety
- Feeling of fullness in the stomach
- Vomiting blood
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
Endoscopic examination of the stomach with a camera and, if necessary, a biopsy for diagnosis are very important for detection. After diagnosis, radiological imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, PET) is very useful for evaluating relationships with neighboring organs and spread to distant organs.
In patients with stomach cancer, surgery alone may be sufficient in the early stages. In more advanced stages, chemotherapy before or after surgery and combined treatments, including radiotherapy, may be applied. The purpose of combining treatments is to increase the success rate of treatment.
Early diagnosis saves lives. Therefore, any new or previously absent symptoms that cause discomfort should be taken seriously and discussed with your doctor without delay.
Esophagus Cancer
The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, known as the food pipe. Esophagus cancer develops when healthy cells on the inner surface of the esophagus, which are directly exposed to food, undergo genetic and environmental changes, transforming into abnormal cancer cells. While normal healthy cells grow, multiply, and die, abnormal cells exhibit uncontrolled growth and do not die. As these cells multiply, they form a tumor. The cancer in this area typically occurs in the middle or upper parts of the esophagus.
The most commonly observed symptoms include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sensation of something stuck in the throat while swallowing
- Painful swallowing
- Vomiting blood
- Weight loss
- A lump or swelling in the neck area
Endoscopic examination of the esophagus with a camera and, if necessary, a biopsy for diagnosis is crucial for detection. After diagnosis, radiological imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, PET) is very useful for evaluating relationships with neighboring organs and spread to distant organs.
In patients with esophagus cancer, surgery alone may be sufficient in the early stages. In more advanced stages, combined treatments including radiotherapy and chemotherapy before or after surgery may be applied. The purpose of combining treatments is to increase the success rate of treatment. In some cases, to preserve the esophagus, an organ-sparing approach may involve using only radiotherapy and chemotherapy together.
Early diagnosis saves lives. Therefore, any new or previously absent symptoms that cause discomfort should be taken seriously and discussed with your doctor without delay.
