Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is a malignant growth originating from the lining of the stomach. It is a heterogeneous disease, primarily categorized as adenocarcinoma, which arises from glandular cells. While global incidence is declining, it remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide due to late-stage presentation.

Etiology involves the interplay of chronic inflammation and genetic mutations. Primary drivers include Helicobacter pylori infection, which induces chronic gastritis, and dietary factors such as high intake of salt-preserved foods, nitrates, and low fruit/vegetable intake. Genetic predisposition, such as E-cadherin (CDH1) mutations, plays a crucial role in hereditary diffuse gastric cancer.

Development typically follows the Correa cascade: chronic gastritis → atrophy → intestinal metaplasia → dysplasia → adenocarcinoma. It involves loss of tumor suppressor genes (e.g., p53) and activation of oncogenes. Tumors may spread via direct invasion, lymphatic metastasis, or hematogenous dissemination to the liver and peritoneum.

Gastric cancer is more prevalent in East Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. It is twice as common in males as in females, with a median age of diagnosis between 60 and 70 years.

H. pylori* infection

• Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption


• Family history


• Atrophic gastritis and pernicious anemia


• Obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)


• Previous gastric surgery

A. Early Symptoms

• Dyspepsia


• Mild nausea


• Loss of appetite B. Common Symptoms


• Persistent abdominal pain


• Early satiety


• Unexplained weight loss C. Advanced Symptoms


• Dysphagia


• Vomiting (sometimes blood-stained)


• Melena


• Ascites and palpable abdominal mass D. Emergency Symptoms


• Hematemesis


• Severe gastric outlet obstruction


• Perforation symptoms (acute rigid abdomen)

Inspection may reveal cachexia or supraclavicular lymphadenopathy (Virchow’s node). Palpation may reveal an epigastric mass or hepatomegaly. Auscultation is typically unremarkable unless an obstruction produces high-pitched tinkling bowel sounds.

A. Clinical Assessment: History taking and physical exam.
B. Laboratory Testing: CBC for anemia, liver function tests.
C. Imaging Studies: CT scan (chest/abdomen/pelvis) for staging.
D. Functional Tests: Not applicable.
E. Biopsy Findings: Endoscopic biopsy showing histopathology (e.g., signet-ring cell).
F. Genetic Testing: HER2 expression levels, PD-L1 status, MSI testing.
G. Differential Diagnosis: Peptic ulcer disease, gastric lymphoma, GIST.

Complete Blood Count
Type: Blood Test
Purpose: Assess for anemia.
Expected Findings: Low hemoglobin/hematocrit.
Interpretation: Suggests chronic occult blood loss.

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): Used for T-staging; high accuracy in determining depth of invasion.
CT/PET-CT: Used for distant metastasis assessment and overall staging.

Peptic Ulcer Disease (usually non-malignant history), Gastric Lymphoma (different treatment protocol), Gastric Outlet Obstruction secondary to benign strictures.

Malnutrition, anemia, obstruction, metastasis, and cachexia.

A. Lifestyle Modifications: Smoking cessation, diet high in antioxidants.
B. Preventive Measures: H. pylori eradication.
C. Medical Treatment: Chemotherapy (Fluoropyrimidines, Platinum-based agents), Targeted Therapy (Trastuzumab), Immunotherapy (Pembrolizumab).
D. Surgical Treatment: Gastrectomy (subtotal or total) with lymphadenectomy.
E. Interventional Procedures: Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) for early lesions.
F. Rehabilitation: Nutritional counseling.
G. Emergency Management: Stent placement for obstruction or surgery for perforation.

Prognosis is highly stage-dependent. 5-year survival for localized disease is ~70%, while metastatic disease remains under 10%.

Screening programs (gastroscopy) in high-risk regions; H. pylori testing.

The following homeopathic remedies have been historically indicated for symptoms associated with Gastric Cancer. Selection should be based on individualized symptom totality and constitutional assessment.

• Homeopathy by Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (r.a.) — Primary clinical reference
• Robin Murphy — Lotus Materia Medica (3rd Edition)
• William Boericke — Pocket Manual of Homœopathic Materia Medica & Repertory
• ICD-10/ICD-11 Classification — World Health Organization
• Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (Reference Standard)

This clinical reference profile is compiled from authoritative medical sources for educational purposes. Always verify clinical data with current medical guidelines.

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