Doctor's Notes on Gastric Cancer Treatment
Gastric cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining (mucosal layer cells) of the stomach. Signs and symptoms of gastric cancer in the early stages may include
- indigestion and stomach discomfort,
- a bloated feeling after eating,
- mild nausea,
- heartburn, and
- loss of appetite.
As the cancer advances in severity (from stage I to stage IV), the following signs and symptoms may begin:
- blood in the stool,
- stomach pain,
- weight loss for no reason,
- jaundice,
- vomiting,
- fluid accumulation in the abdomen, and
- trouble swallowing.
Treatments are individualized with surgery as a common treatment for all stages of gastric cancer.
The cause of gastric cancer development is not well understood, but there are associated risk factors. Medical conditions (Helicobacter pylori infection, gastritis, pernicious anemia, gastric polyps, intestinal metaplasia), smoking, family history, being an older male, and a diet including salty, smoked foods and low in fruits and vegetables plus poorly prepared or stored foods are considered risk factors.
What Are the Treatments for Gastric Cancer?
The treatments for gastric cancer usually begin with surgical options:
- Surgical removal of early stage tumors from the stomach
- Removal of part of the stomach
- Removal of all of the stomach (gastrectomy)
- May remove abdominal lymph nodes
- Tumor debulking to reduce symptoms
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Other treatments (often used along with surgery)
- Chemotherapy: kills cancer cells
- Radiation therapy: high-energy beams to kill cancer cells
- Targeted drug therapy: specific drug interaction with certain cancer cells
- Immunotherapy: enhancement of your bodies immune system
- Supportive care: reduce pain and other gastric cancer symptoms
Your doctors can help you determine a treatment protocol for your condition.
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REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.