What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the cells lining the inner surface of the stomach. This cancer can occur in any part of the stomach and may spread to other organs of the body.
Treatment Methods for Stomach Cancer:
Treatment for stomach cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the location of the tumor, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. The main treatment options include:
- Surgery:
- Tumor Removal: Surgery is the primary treatment for early-stage stomach cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tumor and surrounding tissues, as well as affected lymph nodes.
- Gastrectomy:
- Partial Gastrectomy: In this surgery, a portion of the stomach containing the tumor is removed.
- Total Gastrectomy: In this surgery, the entire stomach is removed. In this case, the esophagus is directly connected to the small intestine.
- Lymph Node Resection: Removal of lymph nodes around the stomach to check for the presence of cancer cells and prevent the spread of cancer.
- Palliative Surgery: In advanced cancers, surgery may be performed to relieve symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life (e.g., creating a pathway for food to pass if there is a blockage).
- Chemotherapy:
- Chemotherapy uses medications that destroy cancer cells. This treatment may be used before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumor, after surgery (adjuvant) to eliminate remaining cancer cells, or as the primary treatment for advanced cancers.
- Chemotherapy is usually given intravenously or orally.
- Radiation Therapy:
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It may be given before or after surgery or along with chemotherapy.
- Radiation therapy is more often used to control symptoms of advanced cancer and reduce pain.
- Targeted Therapy:
- These treatments focus on specific proteins and genes of cancer cells. The goal of these drugs is to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.
- Targeted therapies are usually used for advanced cancers or cancers that have not responded to other treatments.
- Immunotherapy:
- Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that stimulates the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
- This treatment may be effective in some patients with advanced stomach cancer.
Post-Treatment Care:
- Regular Follow-up: After stomach cancer treatment, regular follow-up with the doctor is necessary to check for potential recurrence of the disease and perform the necessary tests.
- Proper Nutrition: A healthy and balanced diet after surgery and other treatments is important for recovery and maintaining health. Dietary changes and eating smaller, more frequent meals may be necessary.
- Psychological Support: Receiving psychological support and counseling to cope with the stress and anxiety caused by cancer diagnosis and treatment is very important.
- Symptom Management: Managing the side effects of treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, is crucial.