About Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer

What is Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer?

Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) is a rare, inherited form of gastric cancer that is caused by a mutation in the CDH1 gene. It is characterized by the development of multiple tumors in the stomach, which can spread to other parts of the body. HDGC is associated with a high risk of death due to the aggressive nature of the disease. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumors, as well as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

What are the symptoms of Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer?

The most common symptom of Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer is abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include:

- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating
- Early satiety (feeling full after eating only a small amount of food)
- Blood in the stool
- Anemia
- Jaundice
- Abdominal mass
- Abdominal distention
- Fatigue

What are the causes of Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer?

Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) is caused by a mutation in the CDH1 gene. This gene is responsible for producing a protein called E-cadherin, which helps cells stick together and form the tissue that lines the stomach. When the CDH1 gene is mutated, the E-cadherin protein is not produced, which can lead to the development of HDGC. Other risk factors for HDGC include a family history of the disease, being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, and having a personal history of lobular breast cancer.

What are the treatments for Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer?

1. Surgery: Surgery is the primary treatment for Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer. Depending on the stage of the cancer, surgery may involve removing part or all of the stomach, nearby lymph nodes, and other nearby organs.

2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery to help shrink the tumor or kill any remaining cancer cells.

3. Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. It may be used in combination with chemotherapy to help shrink the tumor or kill any remaining cancer cells.

4. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells.

What are the risk factors for Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer?

1. Having a family history of Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC).
2. Having a mutation in the CDH1 gene.
3. Being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
4. Having a personal history of lobular breast cancer.
5. Having a personal history of colon cancer.
6. Having a personal history of endometrial cancer.
7. Having a personal history of ovarian cancer.
8. Having a personal history of prostate cancer.
9. Having a personal history of pancreatic cancer.
10. Having a personal history of melanoma.

Is there a cure/medications for Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer?

At this time, there is no known cure for Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC). However, there are medications available to help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These medications include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Additionally, surgery may be recommended to remove the affected area of the stomach.