Treatment options for stomach cancer depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Different types of treatments can lead to side effects, so the type you receive will depend on your personal preferences and health. Many cancer treatments involve a combination of methods. The treatments for stomach cancer may be difficult to cure because it is rarely detected until it is in an advanced stage. But there are a variety of treatment options to help patients live well during this challenging time. For more information about the treatment options, contact your doctor.
Some stomach cancer symptoms include poor appetite and difficulty swallowing. Cancer tumors produce hormones that affect our hunger. People with stomach cancer often feel full after eating only small portions of food. Symptoms such as poor appetite may also lead to unexplained weight loss and decreased energy levels. While stomach cancer is not usually life-threatening, you should consult with your doctor if you are experiencing persistent, unresponsive symptoms. This may be a sign of stomach cancer.
Tests are important for detecting stomach cancer. Endoscopic ultrasound is the most common test used to detect stomach cancer. An endoscope (thin lighted tube) with an ultrasound transducer attached is inserted through the mouth and esophagus and is used to view the digestive tract. A biopsy is sometimes done with this type of test. This procedure can show if stomach cancer has spread throughout the body. When it does, it is treated at its earliest stage.
Surgery is the most common treatment for stomach cancer. Depending on the stage of the disease, surgery may be necessary to remove the entire stomach. It may be an open or minimally invasive procedure. Regardless of type, the surgery aims to cure stomach cancer and improve the quality of life for the patient. Partial gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of the stomach. Doctors use special tools to remove the tumor.
If you have been diagnosed with stomach cancer, it is important to learn about all treatment options. You should ask your doctor questions if something doesn’t make sense. Discuss your expectations and goals with your doctor. This process is called shared decision making. It helps both the patient and the doctor to work together when making treatment decisions. Most stomach cancer treatments involve surgery. The type of surgery you undergo depends on the stage of the cancer. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence has guidelines for stomach cancer treatment.
Surgery can treat stomach cancer. There are a number of different types of surgery. Endoscopic submucosal resection and endoscopic mucosal dissection are two common methods. The type you choose depends on where the cancer is located, the facility you’re visiting, and your physician’s opinion. Surgery usually involves removing part of the stomach. This process may also involve the use of a tube to feed you.
