How fast does stomach cancer spread?
Knowing more about your own specific situation can help you better understand your risks and make informed decisions about your treatment options. Speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Together, you can create a plan that is right for you.
Factors that affect how fast stomach cancer spreads
There are a number of different factors that can affect how quickly stomach cancer will spread. These include:
The type of stomach cancer:
Some types of stomach cancer are more likely to grow and spread quickly than others. For example, adenocarcinomas tend to grow more slowly than other types of stomach cancer, such as lymphomas.
The stage of the cancer:
Stomach cancer is generally classified into four stages, with stage IV being the most advanced. The higher the stage, the more likely it is that the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body.
The grade of the tumor:
Tumor grade is a measure of how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope. Cancer cells that look more abnormal are generally more likely to grow and spread quickly than those that look less abnormal.
The size of the tumor:
Tumors that are larger are more likely to have already spread beyond the stomach.
The location of the tumor:
Tumors that are located in the upper part of the stomach are more likely to have spread to other areas than tumors located in the lower part of the stomach.
How fast stomach cancer can spread
Stomach cancer can spread through a number of different mechanisms, including direct extension into nearby tissues, lymphatic spread, and blood-borne metastasis.
Direct extension:
This is when the cancer cells grow outward from the original tumor site and invade nearby tissues.
Lymphatic spread:
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels throughout the body that helps to fight infection. Cancer cells can enter the lymphatic system and spread to other parts of the body.
Also read – What causes stomach cancer
Blood-borne metastasis:
Cancer cells can break away from the primary tumor and enter the bloodstream. From there, they can lodge in other organs and form new tumors. This is known as metastasis.
The rate at which stomach cancer spreads can vary depending on the individual and the factors mentioned above. In general, however, it is thought that stomach cancer grows relatively slowly compared to other types of cancer. For example, one study found that the median time from diagnosis to death for stomach cancer patients was just over three years.
Is cancer in the stomach curable?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer, the grade of the tumor, and the overall health of the patient. In general, however, stomach cancer is difficult to cure. surgery is often the only treatment option for stomach cancer patients.
Even with surgery, the five-year survival rate is only about 25%. For patients with more advanced disease, the five-year survival rate drops to about 5%.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with stomach cancer, it is important to seek out experienced medical professionals who can create a personalized treatment plan.
There are a number of different treatment options available and new ones are being developed all the time.
While there is no one answer to how fast stomach cancer can spread, understanding the factors that affect its growth can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your treatment. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your doctor. Together, you can develop a plan that is right for you.
Dr. Aditya Kulkarni
MS, DNB, FRCS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology & GI Oncology)
Dr. Aditya Kulkarni is a Consultant of Laparoscopic and Robotic Gastrointestinal, Hepato-biliary-pancreatic, and Cancer Surgeon at the renowned Oasis Surgery Clinic Pune.