Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, occurs when abnormal cells form and grow inside the stomach. Understanding the stomach cancer stages is crucial because it explains how far the cancer has spread. Stomach cancer progresses in four stages, each representing different levels of spread throughout the body.
The Stages of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer stages starts from Stage 0 (very early) to Stage 4 (advanced). As the stage number increases, the cancer becomes more advanced and difficult to treat. Let’s break down each stage:
Stage 1
In Stage 1, stomach cancer is found in the mucosa, the innermost layer of the stomach wall. The mucosa is made up of epithelial tissues and glandular cells. These glandular cells produce mucus to protect the stomach lining and aid in breaking down food during digestion. At this stage, cancer is still relatively localized and may not cause many noticeable symptoms.
Stage 2
At Stage 2, the cancer starts to spread beyond the mucosa into the submucosa and serosa. The submucosa is a connective tissue layer that supports the mucosa, while the serosa is the outermost layer of the stomach. This stage marks a more advanced spread, and the cancer might invade nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 3
Stage 3 is a critical point in stomach cancer, where the disease has grown through the innermost layers and spread to nearby lymph nodes and organs such as the colon, liver, diaphragm, or abdominal wall. At this stage, treatment becomes more aggressive and may involve surgery as well as chemotherapy and radiation therapy to target any remaining cancer cells.
Stage 4
Stage 4, also known as metastatic stomach cancer, occurs when cancer cells travel through the bloodstream and form tumors in distant parts of the body. This can include organs like the liver, lungs, bones, or even distant lymph nodes. Stage 4 stomach cancer is more challenging to treat because the cancer is widespread. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, slowing the cancer’s growth, and improving the patient’s quality of life, typically involving chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
Conclusion
Each stomach cancer stage represents a different level of progression, with early stages offering more treatment options and a higher chance of recovery. If you or a loved one are diagnosed with stomach cancer, consult the most experienced stomach cancer doctor to explore the best treatment plan for your specific stage of stomach cancer doctor in Kolkata to receive the right and most effective treatment.