PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF GASTRIC CANCER

Precipitating Factors: Predisposing Factors:

- Diet/Nutrition: high fat, low fiber, - Age: 40 y/o above
undercooked/ charred foods - Heredity
- Stress - Environment: exposure to
- Bowel Habits carcinogens
- Lifestyle: smoking, alcoholism - Gender
- Previous Gastric/ Colon/
Rectal Cancer

Affects normal cells

Mutation in the DNA Proto-oncogenes

mismatch repair genes

Activation of oncogenes
Negative effect on DNA repair

Tumor suppressors
Mutated cell multiplies deactivates

Uncontrolled proliferation
Cells grow and Polyposis collagen
divide quickly inactivates

DNA repair genes Permits unchecked

inactivates cellular replication

Cancer cells divide and proliferate Increased cell division

 Cancer cells undergo Activation of oncogenes
further mutation
Prevents apoptosis

Increased lifespan of
affected cells

Replicates just like

normal cells

Increased number of
malignant cells

Invades epithelia of GIT

Alters genetic make-up of epithelium Stem cell transformation

Lateral and downward Altered stem cell replicates

spread of abnormal cells

Adenoma
Replaces normal
cells
 Extends to adjacent cells

Adenocarcinoma

Extends downwards Obstructs passageways

Extends to small Mass/ Tumor

intestines

Extends to anus
Tumor bleeds Invades/ Bowel
compresses nerves obstruction
Extends to rectum Anorectal Mass Hematochezia/
hemoptisis/ Back/ pelvic
pain Abdominal Change in bowel
hematemesis pain habits
Affects adjacent
structures
Blood loss Loss/ decreased
Lymphatic spread bowel movements

anemia
Extends to Retention of
vaginal wall fecal matter
pallor
sepsis
bleeding Foul smelling
discharge