Stomach Cancer Treatments

Stomach cancer is also known as gastric cancer or gastric carcinoma. While this form of cancer is commonly seen developing as a tumor (adenocarcinoma) in the lining of the stomach, gastric carcinoma can also begin in almost any part of this digestive organ. It is most often seen in men over the age of 50, but anyone can develop stomach cancer. According to the Department of Gastroenterology at the Cleveland Clinic, there are a number of factors that can increase the chances of gastric cancer. Besides age and gender, a diet high in preservatives and salt, while low in fruits and vegetables, can increase your risk, as can certain habits (such as alcohol and smoking), occupation (such as HVAC, coal, lumber and construction) and a family history. Due to the nature of the disease, there are a number of treatments available.

Surgery

The most common treatment for stomach cancer would involve surgery, either subtotal or total gastrectomy, which is the removal of a portion or the entirety of the stomach. Usually, this form of treatment will also include a removal of any neighboring lymph nodes and other tissues, which are then tested for cancerous cells. Surgery may also be used to treat some of the symptoms of stomach cancer, but this is more of a therapeutic approach than an actual cure.

Chemotherapy

Depending on the stage of cancer, chemotherapy may also be used as a treatment. Since this form of cancer is normally not extremely receptive to chemotherapy medications, this approach to care has been used predominantly as a preoperative or postoperative measure, meaning that it will generally be used prior to surgery or after surgery, either to reduce the size of the tumor or to kill residual cells deemed as cancerous.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy alone isn't usually used as a treatment for stomach cancer. Much like chemotherapy, this method of care is typically used in conjunction with surgery, since it too can reduce the size of tumors or destroy cancer cells. However, when a patient is not an ideal candidate for surgery, radiation therapy may also be employed in conjunction with chemotherapy. Basically, radiation therapy is usually used as part of a treatment, not as the only approach.

Chemoperfusion

A relatively recent procedure that has been employed as a treatment for stomach cancer is something called chemoperfusion, otherwise known as intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemoperfusion, which is the injection of anti-cancer medications directly into the abdomen. Basically, the drugs are added to a solution and warmed before they are injected into the belly. This would most likely be used in more advanced stages of stomach cancer where surgery is not an option.

Considerations

Much like most other forms of cancer, early detection of stomach cancer is the most effective way to treat this disease. Some of the earlier signs that you may have stomach cancer are indigestion and heartburn, nausea, bloating and loss of appetite. As the cancer progresses, you may begin to experience unexplained weight loss, blood in your stool, fatigue, moderate discomfort near the stomach and pain after eating. If you are unsure of your symptoms, contact your doctor for a checkup.

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