Stomach cancer is one of the common forms of cancers that affect the digestive system. Its diagnosis requires various techniques, including CT scans, X-rays, medical examinations, and laboratory tests. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment becomes a necessary option, depending on the stage of the disease. Treatment may include partial or total stomach removal surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy techniques.
What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer occurs when normal cells in the stomach transform into abnormal cells, and their growth becomes uncontrollable. There are different types of stomach cancers, depending on the type of affected cells and the part of the stomach involved.
Some individuals suffer from Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach and intestines. Infection with the stomach bacterium sometimes causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or vomiting. If left untreated, it may lead to cancer.
What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?
Cancer may not cause any symptoms initially. When it does, symptoms may include:
● Weight loss
● Abdominal pain, especially in the upper part of the abdomen
● Difficulty swallowing
● Loss of appetite or feeling full after eating a small amount
● Nausea
● Fatigue or shortness of breathing
All these symptoms can also occur due to non-cancerous medical conditions, so it’s important to consult a doctor if experiencing these symptoms.
Stomach Cancer Diagnosis Tests
● Upper endoscopy: This test is often performed to detect stomach cancer. During this test, the doctor inserts a thin tube with a camera and light at its end through the mouth and pushes it into the stomach. This allows the doctor to examine the stomach lining.
● Biopsy: Doctors conduct this test during an upper endoscopy. The doctor takes a small tissue sample from the area that appears abnormal in the stomach. It is then examined under a microscope.
● Blood tests
● CT imaging.
What Are the Stages of Stomach Cancer?
The classification of cancer stages determines how far the cancer has spread beyond the layer of tissue where it started and, if so, to what extent.
Appropriate treatment largely depends on the type and stage of stomach cancer and other medical issues one may have.
How Is Stomach Cancer Treated?
● Surgery to remove cancer: During surgery, the doctor may remove part of or the entire stomach and then reconnect the digestive system so you can still eat.
● Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves medications that kill or prevent the growth of cancer cells. Sometimes, people receive chemotherapy before undergoing surgery.
● Radiation therapy: Radiation kills cancer cells.
● Immunotherapy: This treatment involves medications that work with the body’s immune system to stop cancer growth.
Stomach cancer can be cured with treatment, especially when detected in its early stages.
If you are infected with H. pylori, treatment is necessary and includes taking three or more medications for one to two weeks.
Taking medication for H. pylori infection reduces the chances of stomach cancer recurrence after treatment.
Stomach Cancer Treatment Results
After recovering from cancer, follow-up is essential through various tests. Follow-up tests include examinations, blood tests, upper endoscopy, or imaging tests.
If cancer returns, the doctor may resort to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy again. Your doctor may prescribe other treatments to help manage symptoms.
Best Doctor for Stomach Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is the best doctor for treating stomach cancer. He is a consultant in liver, digestive system, and endoscopy, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in England, and a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is currently a teacher of general internal medicine, liver, and digestive system at Al-Azhar University in Cairo.
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regularly participates in many local and international scientific conferences and has numerous scientific research publications in prestigious medical journals.
Book your appointment now if you would like to consult with Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regarding the diagnosis and treatment of stomach cancer and the latest treatment methods.