Cancer in the stomach and gastroesophageal junction is called gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction cancer. The primary risk factors for this type of cancer are having a history of acid reflux disease and obesity.
Cancer in the stomach and gastroesophageal junction is called gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction cancer. The primary risk factors for this type of cancer are having a history of acid reflux disease and obesity.
Symptoms
The common symptoms of gastric cancer/stomach cancer are listed below:
Diagnosis
A stomach cancer can be diagnosed by the following procedures:
Endoscopy
Your doctor will look for signs of cancer using upper endoscopy and biopsy.
Imaging tests.
CT scans, PET and barium swallow tests can help your doctor determine the stage of your stomach cancer.
Exploratory surgery
This surgery helps your doctor identify the cancer-affected areas beyond your stomach or esophagus.
Treatment
Treatment varies with the stage of your gastric cancer and other underlying health conditions.
Surgery
Surgery for gastric cancer is to remove the cancerous area completely and a portion of healthy tissue. The surgery options are listed below:
It is important to note that surgery carries a risk of bleeding and infection.
Radiation therapy
It is used to shrink a tumor before surgery and also to kill cancerous cells that might found after surgery. It is also used to improve symptoms of a large tumor.
Chemotherapy
Similar to radiation therapy, chemotherapy is also used before and after surgery for the same above-said purposes.
Chemotherapy can help in relieving the signs of advanced gastiric cancer.
Targeted drugs:
Ramucirumab and trastuzumab are approved for gastric cancer treatment.
A combination of targeted drugs and chemotherapy can be used based on the stages of the gastric cancer.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used simultaneously to kill cancerous cells or shrink a tumor’s size.
Your doctor will choose the right treatment option based on the medical history, stage of the cancer and how your body reacts to the treatments.
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