Stomach cancer, also referred to as gastric cancer, develops slowly over time and can spread in various ways. The stomach consists of many vessels and lymph nodes. Unfortunately, if the cancer cells spread through the stomach wall, into lymph nodes, bloodstream or other organs the individual’s chance of survival decrease dramatically.
What are the types of stomach cancer?
The more common types of stomach cancer are:
Adenocarcinoma- By far the most common form of stomach cancer (>95%). This cancer develops in the mucosa (inner lining of the stomach).
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) – Can be found in the digestive tract but are more commonly found in early forms of cells that make up the stomach wall.
Carcinoid tumor- These form in the hormone-making cells of the stomach.
Lymphoma- A cancer of the immune system tissue. The treatment depends on the type of lymphoma one has.
There are other forms of stomach cancer but they are rarer than the above.
What are some of the symptoms of stomach cancer?
Some of the more common symptoms of stomach cancer are: • Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite • Nausea and vomiting • Stomach pains • Heartburn • Feeling bloated after eating • Difficulty swallowing
What are some of the risks of stomach cancer?
Some of the risks for stomach cancer include: • Race- African Americans are more prone to developing stomach cancer than in Caucasians • Age- stomach cancer occurs more in people age 55 and older • Gender- stomach cancer affects men more than women. • Obesity has been linked to increasing one’s risk for stomach cancer. • Smoking • Family history- if you have an inherited mutation of genes in your family. BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (associated with high risk for breast cancers) are also at a rate for increased risks of stomach cancer. • Having a diet high in processed or salted foods • Helicobacter pylori infection
What treatments are available for stomach cancer?
Treatment for stomach cancer all depends upon the area in which the cancer started. Different areas have different symptoms and also require different treatments. Unfortunately, most stomach cancers that are diagnosed are already in an advanced stage. Treatment and recovery also depend upon the patient’s general health and the stage of their cancer.
Most common treatments are:
• Surgery- The type of surgery you will receive depends on the location of the cancer in your stomach. The surgeon may only have to remove part of your stomach (partial gastrectomy) or the whole stomach (total gastrectomy). • Chemotherapy – uses drugs to kill the cancer cells. Most people will get chemotherapy if they have stomach cancer. It is usually given intravenously. How you react will depend on the dosage and kind of medication you are given. • Radiation therapy- is the use of high-energy rays to eradicate cancer cells. Radiation therapy is usually used along with chemotherapy to treat stomach cancer. Side effects will vary depending on the dosage and kind of radiation therapy used.
How is stomach cancer diagnosed?
Upper endoscopy is the most common test used to diagnosis stomach cancer. Other tests that may be used in the initial evaluation of a patient with stomach cancer include:
• MRI • Blood work/ lab tests • Barium x-rays • Physical exam • PET/CT scan • Biopsy • Complete blood count (CBC) • Ultrasound • CT scan
Questions to ask your doctor…
• What is my exact type of stomach cancer? • What is the stage of the cancer? • Has it spread to other areas or lymph nodes? • What is the intent of treatment? • What are my treatment options? • What treatment does the doctor suggest and why? • How often do I have to get these treatments? • What are we hoping to achieve with the treatments that have been chosen? • What are the side effects associated with my treatment? • How do I prepare for my treatment and how will it affect my daily life? • Does my insurance cover the treatment?** • Would a clinical trial be a good thing to partake in? • Will I still be able to eat or will I be too sick from treatments? • Will I need to stay in the hospital for treatment or is it an outpatient process? • Is there any support group or help I can receive in managing my symptoms? • Could you refer me to another doctor if I wanted a second opinion?
** Bon Secours offers information on financial assistance as well as other resources to help you with your care.