STOMACH CANCER TREATMENT
Categories: Uncategorized | November 21st, 2007 | by admin | no comments
Stomach cancer treatment information is vital to the person afflicted. Stomach cancer, also referred to as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the stomach. Symptoms of stomach cancer include but are not limited to: nausea, vomiting, bloating, overall stomach discomfort, bloody stool, heartburn, and unreasonable weight loss. People experiencing the more serious symptoms should make an appointment with their physician immediately as they may be experiencing the symptoms of stomach cancer. Treatment options will be discussed after stomach cancer is definitely determined.
Stomach cancer can be diagnosed by any combination of the following methods: A Fecal Occult blood test, an upper endoscopy, biopsy, CBC, physical exam, Barium swallow, CT scan, and Blood Chemistry study. After cancer is determined, the progression of the cancer is investigated. This helps in determining the stage that the cancer is in.
The stages range from 0 to IV with stage 0 being the finding of cells that can become cancer and stage IV being cancer that has taken over not only the stomach but other vital organs as well. After the stage of the cancer is determined, treatment options can be discussed. There are options can be used to remove the cancer completely or to prolong life in the patient who has fought the battle valiantly to no avail.
A common form of treatment is surgery. This form of treatment can be implemented in the treatment of any stage of stomach cancer. Types of surgery include: Partial gastrectomy, total gastrectomy, and Endoscopic Laser, Electrocautery, and Endoluminal stent. In a partial gastrectomy, a portion of the stomach is removed as well as any other effected tissues. This is, of course, the portion that contains the cancer. A full gastrectomy means that the whole stomach is removed as well as any effected tissues. In Endoscopic laser surgery a laser is used to cut out the cancer. Electrocautery surgery is generally only used to remove small sores or lesions from the patient. The use of an Endoluminal stent can be necessary if the stomach cancer has blocked an area or opening. The stent is used to keep this spot open and the patient properly functioning.
Radiation therapy is often used as a stomach cancer treatment as well. This form of treatment uses radiation to kill the cancer and inhibit any new cancer cell growth. There are two types of radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer; Internal and External.
Chemotherapy is another form of treatment used to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells in the person with stomach cancer. Chemotherapy consists of drugs that are taken PO (by mouth) or by injection. Again, there are two types: Systemic and Regional.
The last form of treatment for those with stomach cancer is Chemoradiation. Chemoradiation is the combination of drugs and radiation to more effectively fight cancer. It is often implemented before and after surgery to inhibit new cancer cell growth and fight existing cancer cells.