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Gastric adenocarcinoma
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

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Gastric adenocarcinoma is a malignant neoplasm in the glandular epithelium of the stomach.
It occurs quite often and ranks fourth among all tumor formations. The tumor is localized mainly in the antral and pyloric sections. This phenomenon is caused by excessive consumption of foods with a high content of nitrites. It is in the stomach that these substances destroy the mucous layer, thereby causing a malignant formation.
Causes of gastric adenocarcinoma
The main causes of gastric adenocarcinoma are related to disorders in the body. Glandular cancer is a fairly common disease. It is based on poor nutrition, as well as the impact of various harmful factors on the human body. As a rule, therapy is prescribed based on the localization of the disease and its stage. But in most cases, radical intervention is used directly.
So, the causes of the disease development can be: chronic ulcer, disruption of the mucosal epithelium, Menetrier's disease, atrophic gastritis, radiation, obesity and the presence of a similar disease in one of the relatives.
If there are no such diseases and prerequisites for them, then you should simply monitor your daily diet. Because glandular cancer can develop due to improper nutrition. You should also eliminate bad habits. After all, smoking can also provoke the development of the disease.
Symptoms of gastric adenocarcinoma
The main symptoms of gastric adenocarcinoma are not so easy to recognize. The fact is that the disease has very vague clinical manifestations. This may include heaviness in the epigastrium, nausea, loss of appetite, bowel disorder and general weight loss. Therefore, it is difficult to say for sure that a person has glandular cancer.
These symptoms are collectively called the "minor signs" syndrome. Because they are characteristic of many other processes. Heaviness and distension often occur with an intramural tumor. At the same time, the affected organ remains tense and elastic.
Thus, cancer of the cardiac section is also characterized by a violation of the passage of food into the duodenum. As a result, vomiting occurs, and in more advanced cases, pain in the epigastric region.
Glandular cancer metastasizes in almost 90% of cases. As for the diagnostic method, it comes down to an officially approved list of treatment methods. So if any of the above symptoms appear, you need to seek help.
Poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma
It is a rather malignant formation. Moreover, it develops from the glandular epithelium of various organs. If the degree of differentiation is low, then this causes rapid and aggressive growth of neoplasms.
The prognosis for this disease is quite serious. Because it is necessary to seek timely, highly qualified help. The less differentiated the glandular cancer cells, the more unfavorable the prognosis. If any signs appear, you should immediately contact a medical institution.
This phenomenon is often considered an indicator for the removal of lymph nodes. The process occurs due to radiation therapy methods. In many cases, chemotherapy drugs are also prescribed. Vitamins, painkillers and proper nutrition are also included in the general course of treatment.
Moderately differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma
This type of cancer occupies an intermediate position. It is a tumor whose structure is difficult to associate with the structure of the tissue whose cells it is formed from. Therefore, it is not so easy to identify the disease. There are no characteristic signs, you will have to rely on the general ones.
Despite the fact that the tumor is not so dangerous, it must be removed in a timely manner. Because much depends on this process. It is almost impossible to detect this disease on your own. It does not have any specific symptoms. They are all similar to general problems with the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, only a specialist examination is needed.
This disease is between well-differentiated and poorly differentiated types. But despite this, it still carries a danger, because it is a malignant neoplasm.
Well differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma
All cancers, especially highly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma, are subject to careful examination. This fact is explained by the fact that there is a need to establish the true causes that lead to the development of the disease.
To date, risk factors have been identified for each type of highly differentiated adenocarcinoma that contribute to the development of this disease.
Highly differentiated glandular cancer develops mainly in older people. This disease is preceded by a number of reasons. First of all, it is poor heredity. Nutrition also plays a major role, because in many cases it is irrational. This means that the body does not receive the necessary amount of nutrients. Highly differentiated glandular cancer also occurs in the rectum, mainly due to anal sex, as well as when infected with the papillomavirus infection.
In some cases, the disease is provoked by chemicals, including medications. The risk group includes people suffering from diabetes. Naturally, diseases associated with other organs also make a special contribution.
Tubular adenocarcinoma of the stomach
Another type of malignant tumor is tubular adenocarcinoma of the stomach. What is it? First of all, it is branched tubular structures that are enclosed in fibrous stroma or surrounded by it.
The tumor forms are very interesting, as a rule, these are cylindrical or cubic cells. But in some cases they can simplify due to the accumulation of mucus in the expanded lumens.
This form of malignant neoplasm also requires immediate medical intervention. Because the type of cancer is very unique.
Tubular glandular cancer is represented by simple or branched structures. Small acinar structures such as antral glands are less typical for it. If we talk about the level of intra- and extracellular mucus formation, it varies. The degree of development of cancer stroma can be different.
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Diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma
The disease is identified by a therapist, gastroenterologist and oncologist, and they also diagnose gastric adenocarcinoma. Treatment is usually performed by an oncologist. To conduct high-quality diagnostics, it is necessary to follow a whole range of measures.
Initially, fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy is performed. This is one of the most accurate diagnostic methods to date. A probe is inserted through the mouth into the patient's organ affected by the tumor. Thanks to this insertion, the doctor is able to take samples of epithelial tissue. The samples are then examined in the laboratory.
Tests for Helicobacter pylori are also carried out. There are three types. The first option involves a blood test, which helps to identify antibodies. The next types are a respiratory test and a stool test, which helps to detect Helicobacter pylori antigens. If the infection is identified, then complex treatment is prescribed.
Another common type of diagnostics is X-ray diagnostics with contrast. If there are clear images of the affected area, then cancer is easy to detect in almost 75% of cases. Before this procedure, the patient must drink a contrast mass. This is a gray liquid with a rather unpleasant taste.
In addition, a number of other diagnostic methods are used. These include ultrasound, endoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography.
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Treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma
Most often, the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma involves surgical intervention. But it is worth considering the fact that the body is not always ready to take radical measures. Because this method of therapy takes a lot of energy from a person, which has already been wasted. Based on this, doctors recommend including physiotherapeutic drugs in the treatment process.
The process of removing glandular esophageal cancer involves partially removing the esophagus. In some cases, it is appropriate to remove the upper part of the stomach. It is from the remaining part of this organ that the previously removed esophagus is restored. If the cancer is at an advanced stage, the esophagus must be completely removed. In this case, the person's stomach practically passes into the patient's neck. During this procedure, open incisions are used in the abdomen, chest, and neck.
A new, but at the same time well-proven method of treatment is tomotherapy. In this case, a spiral tomograph with 360-degree coverage is used. It allows the doctor to examine all the changes that occur during the therapy. Thus, it is possible to continue many therapeutic measures, while protecting healthy tissues from radiation. This system allows you to change the shape, size and amount of radiation delivered by the tumor.
Treatment of poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma
Complex treatment of low-differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma is the most effective. Thus, the tumor must be affected by various methods.
- Surgery is the most common method of fighting a tumor. Surgical intervention is aimed at complete removal of the neoplasm. And not only within the healthy tissue, but also with additional excision of the affected lymph nodes. Minimally invasive surgery has become widespread today. It comes from thoracoscopic and laparoscopic, using the latest technologies. Sparing operations allow not only to ensure radical removal of the tumor, but also to preserve the patient's health.
- Radiation therapy. The affected area is irradiated to reduce the tumor and perform its subsequent removal. The method is also used in the postoperative period, it allows to destroy malignant cells in the wound. Thus, the risk of recurrence of the tumor is reduced several times. Today, only the latest methods of radiation therapy are used. They cause minimal damage to healthy tissues of the body.
- Chemotherapy. This method is an integral part in the fight against low-differentiated glandular cancer. This procedure allows you to destroy malignant cells throughout the human body. Chemotherapy is used together with cytostatic drugs, which fight tumor cells and metastases both before and after surgical treatment.
There are other modern methods of treating glandular cancer. These are laser radiation, ultrasound waves, nanopreparations and other methods.
Treatment of moderately differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma
In order to achieve a positive result, treatment of moderately differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma should be carried out using all modern technologies.
Naturally, it is impossible to do without a surgical operation. Because the tumor must be removed in any case. Thus, surgical intervention is the most radical method in the fight against malignant neoplasm. It involves the removal of not only the tumor itself, but also the lymph nodes, along with soft tissues. Today, preference is given directly to minimally invasive surgical interventions. Because they allow you to do everything as quickly as possible, and they are based on the use of modern technologies.
Chemotherapy takes a leading place in the fight against cancer. It allows you to get rid of malignant cells throughout the body. In addition to chemotherapy, radiation therapy is also widely used. It allows you to significantly reduce the tumor, which will greatly facilitate its removal. Today, only modern technologies are used in the fight against this disease. Naturally, physiotherapy also plays a major role. In general, this oncological disease includes several treatment options, the main one of which is surgical intervention.
Treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma with folk remedies
Treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma is carried out using folk remedies, although surgical intervention is still unavoidable.
- So, the first remedy that needs to be taken is Aconite. This is a regular tincture that you can make yourself. You need to take 100 grams of anoconite root, rinse it and put it in a liter jar, then pour boiling water over it. Let the tincture sit for about an hour. Then the roots are removed and cut. Next, they need to be poured with 60-degree vodka or alcohol and left to brew for 21 days. You need to take the tincture 1 drop diluted in 200 grams of warm water. It is advisable to take the remedy 30 minutes before meals. It should be noted that the number of drops needs to be increased, adding one daily. You need to drink the tincture in a 10-day course.
- A good remedy for fighting the disease is potato flowers. To do this, you need to collect potato flowers during their flowering and dry them in a dark place. Then they are crushed and poured with boiling water. You need to take one tablespoon of the product and half a liter of boiling water. All this is infused for 3 hours. Take 150-170 grams of tincture three times a day 30 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is 2 weeks. Then you need to take a week break and drink the tincture again. All this action lasts about six months.
- Nut tincture. You need to collect thirty-three nuts, cut them and grind them. Then put them in a 3-liter jar and pour vodka over them. Then preserve all this for 40 days. Shake the jar once a day. After the allotted time, strain the product through cheesecloth and squeeze it out. It is advisable to pour the tincture into dark glass containers and store it in a dark place. Take one teaspoon of the tincture three times a day for a month.
- Birch mushroom. Birch mushroom helps well with oncological diseases. It is often taken in cases where surgical intervention is contraindicated. The grated mushroom should be put in boiling water for two days, after which it can be consumed. So, you should drink a little tincture daily 30 minutes before meals, three times. The remedy is stored for no more than 4 days and then in the refrigerator.
More information of the treatment
Prevention of gastric adenocarcinoma
In fact, prevention of gastric adenocarcinoma consists of completely eliminating many of the reasons for which it may arise. In most cases, we are talking about improper nutrition.
So, to avoid cancer, you need to reduce the consumption of salted, smoked and dried foods. Nitrates can cause this disease, so you need to eat vegetables and fruits only in season, when they are grown without adding auxiliary substances. In addition, you should give up bad habits, including drinking alcohol and smoking. A person should undergo an examination every year. Especially those who are at risk. These are patients susceptible to the influence of heredity, with congenital intestinal polyposis, as well as with a high probability of developing gastrointestinal diseases.
It is important to understand that after the age of 45-50, absolutely everyone needs to undergo preventive examination.
Prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma
Usually, the prognosis for gastric adenocarcinoma is positive. But much in this case depends on the patient. Thus, a special term "five-year survival" is used to predict tumor treatment. If a person manages to live 5 years after therapy, he can be considered absolutely healthy. Such a patient gains a chance to never get infected with this disease again.
The overall survival rate is about 20%. Such a low percentage is explained by the fact that the disease is recognized at too late stages. But despite this, each case is individual. Therefore, talking about general statistics is pointless.
At stage zero, cancer cells are still in the inner layer. They have not yet had time to spread deep, which makes the task easier. If the right treatment is selected in a timely manner, the result will be good. Even a complete recovery is possible.
At the first stage, the tumor managed to penetrate the inner layer. But, again, it has not yet gone deep. If it is noticed in time, the therapy will give a good result. A complete recovery is possible.
There may be two forms of the second stage. The first is when cancer cells have already affected the inner layer, as well as several lymph nodes. In addition, the cells may not affect the lymph nodes. The second form indicates that cancer cells have affected the inner layer and more than seven lymph nodes. The recovery process after 5 years is no more than 50%.
Stage three. One of the most serious stages of the disease. In this case, all the walls of the organ and lymph nodes are affected. Survival is from 10 to 40%.
At stage five, everything is affected, distant metastasis occurs. Five-year survival is only 5%. The fact is that the recovery process is affected by the nature of the tumor, the patient's body and the treatment.
Prognosis of poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma
Often the prognosis is positive. But only if the person seeks help at an early stage of the disease. Usually after the operation the patient is observed for five years. It is this period that tells whether the person has fully recovered or not.
The prognosis of cancer patients is determined by the possibility of performing a radical operation. Because only a small percentage of people live more than five years. If the operation was performed by means of gastroenterostomy or laparotomy, the patient will live about 5 months. With non-radical resection, about a year.
Remote metastasis can significantly reduce the life expectancy of patients. In this case, even radical surgery cannot help. The presence of a residual tumor allows one to live no more than 2 years. Other factors that can affect the patient's survival are of secondary importance.
Prognosis of well-differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma
It is difficult to say that the prognosis is positive. Because this is a figurative concept. Only 5 years after the operation can we say whether the person has fully recovered. After all, much depends on the stage of the disease and when it was discovered and the treatment process began.
In medicine, there is even such a concept as "five-year survival rate". This term is really relevant. Because only in this way can one determine whether a person has been completely cured. As a rule, the overall survival rate reaches no more than 20%. This is due to the fact that cancer is mainly detected in the last stages.
The prognosis of cancer patients is determined only by the possibility of performing a radical operation. Because a small percentage of non-operated patients are able to live more than five years.
After gastroenterostomy, people live about 5 months. If a non-radical resection was performed, then about 11. Remote metastasis significantly reduces life expectancy. In this case, unfortunately, even a radical operation cannot help. Thus, a person will live no more than 2 years. The fact is that gastric adenocarcinoma is a serious disease, which is not so easy to fight.