Whether stomach cancer will be curable is a big question. Research is underway to identify which treatments are most effective. Treatment options for stomach cancer are determined by the stage of the disease, the type of tumor, and possible side effects. Often, stomach cancer will require several different treatments. Since stomach cancer is often detected at an advanced stage, a combination of treatments may be the best course of treatment. Here is what to expect from the next few decades.
Chemotherapy can help relieve the symptoms of stomach cancer. Chemotherapy is given as a pill or intravenous infusion, and it aims to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often given before surgery to shrink a tumor. In some cases, chemotherapy can be administered after surgery, if the tumor is located in the lymph nodes. If chemotherapy is used, the patient should continue eating a healthy diet and take vitamins.
Despite the fact that there is no specific risk factor for stomach cancer, it does have a strong connection to certain lifestyle choices. People who suffer from chronic illness are at an increased risk for stomach cancer. Infections of the stomach, such as the H. pylori bacteria, can also cause stomach cancer. Excessive stomach acid may also contribute to junction cancers, and controlling reflux symptoms may help prevent them. However, it is impossible to prevent stomach cancer completely, so it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
After the diagnosis, patients will be evaluated for possible side effects of treatment. It is important to ask questions if anything is unclear, and to be as involved as possible. It is important to communicate with the doctor and family members about their expectations and goals. Some patients may find that shared decision making helps them cope better with the illness. The best way to learn about the different treatments for stomach cancer is to discuss your options. Discuss with your health care team the various treatment options and make sure to discuss the financial, emotional, and physical side effects.
Several types of tests are necessary to diagnose stomach cancer. Endoscopic ultrasound (ECUS) is similar to endoscopy, but uses sound waves to create images of the digestive tract. It provides a detailed picture of the stomach wall and can help doctors determine whether stomach cancer has spread to nearby organs and structures. X-rays are also an effective way to diagnose stomach cancer and determine if it has spread to distant areas of the body.
In many cases, treatment for stomach cancer will not completely cure the disease, but treatments can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the cancerous tissue. Although this type of treatment is not 100% effective, it may be the best option. A surgery is also an option if the cancer has spread to the lymphatic tissues in the stomach or is spread elsewhere in the body. If this is the case, a patient should be sure to maintain a healthy weight and talk to their doctor about ways to lose weight.
