How far can stomach cancer spread? When it reaches stage IV, the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. It has either broken through the stomach wall or grown into other organs. The stage is usually indicated by a letter: T, N, or M. The letter indicates whether the cancer has spread locally or has metastasized. Stage IV cancer is typically recurrent. It is not unusual for stomach cancer to spread to other parts of the body.
The symptoms of stomach cancer vary from person to person, as it varies in its location and the extent of tumor. The earlier a cancer is detected, the better the prognosis. In addition, stomach cancer often spreads to nearby organs, so it’s important to know the symptoms of stomach cancer early on. Fortunately, treatment options are available for patients with advanced stages of this cancer. The condition can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
If stomach cancer is suspected, a biopsy is the best way to determine its cause. In addition to biopsying cancer cells, gastroscopy can detect bacterial infections in the stomach. Moreover, Helicobacter pylori is known to cause peptic ulcers, which increases the risk of stomach cancer. Other risk factors include smoking and eating a diet that is devoid of fresh fruits and vegetables. Moreover, there’s a link between eating a lot of processed food and a higher risk for stomach cancer than among those who do not.
Endoscopic ultrasonography is another way to detect stomach cancer. It allows doctors to see the top of the digestive tract, including the esophagus and stomach. With this procedure, the doctor can see whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A high level of CEA is an indication that the patient has stomach cancer. Similarly, a high level of hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells, may be indicative of gastric cancer.
Fortunately, early stomach cancer symptoms are rare. Most of the time, they are due to other conditions, such as other types of cancer or stomach ulcers. Other symptoms include low red blood cell count, anemia, and weight loss. Jaundice, anemia, and ascites, a fluid buildup in the abdomen. Nevertheless, symptoms associated with stomach cancer may not be readily apparent unless you see your doctor. If these symptoms persist, the doctor can refer you to a gastroenterologist.
Despite the possibility of having a rare type of stomach cancer, targeted therapies are available. These medicines work by attacking specific cancer cells without harming normal cells. A few medications are FDA-approved for this purpose. Some of these include docetaxel, a drug used to treat advanced gastric adenocarcinomas. Using targeted therapy may help improve your chances of a cure. It is an excellent option if you suspect stomach cancer.
Although gastric cancer is often curable, surgery is not an option for advanced cases. In these cases, patients may undergo chemotherapy or radiation. Radiation therapy, meanwhile, uses high-powered beams of energy to destroy cancer cells. Combined with surgery, radiation therapy can shrink a tumor and make it easier to remove. After surgery, chemotherapy is used to kill cancerous cells that have spread beyond the stomach. When combined with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can help cure stomach cancer and help you eat normally again.
