Digestive System

The first step in diagnosing stomach cancer is usually a thorough medical history and physical examination by the doctor. If the history and/or examination indicate, the doctor will order laboratory blood tests and one or all of the following examinations: Fecal occult blood test – This laboratory test is used to determine the presence or absence […]

If stomach cancer is found, tests will be done to find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. The process of staging describes the extent and severity of cancer growth. Once the doctor knows the stage of the disease, treatment can be planned. Staging includes: The size of the main

For stomach cancer, the following stages are used: Stage 0: This stage is very early cancer. At this stage, cancer is found only in the innermost layer of the stomach wall. Stage I: Stage I is slightly more advanced. There are two possible criteria of this stage: Cancer is found in the second or third

There are a variety of effective treatment options for stomach cancer. In general, treatment depends on: The size, location, and extent of the tumor. The stage of the disease when the cancer is found. The person’s general health and other factors. Because of these variables, treatment is individually designed for each person. Treatment decisions are

Surgery is the most common treatment for stomach cancer. The usual operation is called a gastrectomy. There are two types: Total gastrectomy is removal of the entire stomach. After a total gastrectomy, the esophagus is connected directly to the small intestine. Partial or subtotal gastrectomy is removal of just part of the stomach. After a partial gastrectomy, the remaining

Chemotherapy is the use of specialized drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs may be in pill or capsule form, or they may be injected into a vein or muscle. Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment because when the drug enters the bloodstream, it travels throughout the body and can kill cancer cells outside the

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. There are two types of radiation therapy: External radiation therapy uses a machine to radiate the cancer from outside the body. This procedure is similar to the ordinary x-ray, but with higher energy. Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) uses materials called radioisotopes that are introduced into

Biological therapy (also called biological response modifier, or BRM; and immunotherapy) uses the body’s own immune system to destroy cancer cells. Biological therapy is still experimental, but shows great promise. There are several different types of biological therapy for cancer: Immunostimulant therapy Immunoglobulin therapy Monoclonal antibodies Immunostimulant therapy uses two different procedures: One uses substances called immunostimulants, which

Treatment of stomach cancer depends on: The patient’s state of health The part of the stomach where the cancer is found The stage of the disease There are several reasons for treatment by staging. These include: The possibility that standard therapy might not affect a cure because of the stage of the cancer when it

Clinical trials are used to find better and more effective ways of treating cancer patients by using the most up-to-date research in controlled tests. Clinical trials are designed to: Determine if a new approach is both safe and effective. To learn more about the disease. To compare different treatment therapies. To find new methods to

Here are some frequently asked questions related to stomach cancer. Q: How can I eat when all or part of my stomach has been removed? A: As with any new situation, some adjustment will be necessary. If only part of the stomach is removed, fairly normal eating patterns can be resumed soon after recovery. If the

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to stomach cancer. Stomach cancer is a disease in which normal cells in the stomach tissues are triggered and grow out of control. Experts have been unable to define one primary cause for stomach cancer, but many factors seem to be involved. Stomach ulcers, stomach polyps, environmental factors