Like all cancers, stomach cancer can be treated for the best results when detected in the early stages. The location, patient’s age, and overall health, type, and stage of cancer influence the diagnosis of patients with stomach cancer.
Surgery is required to treat cancer before it spreads to other parts of the body. Other stomach cancer treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and molecularly targeted therapy which varies depending on the patient’s treatment plan.
Early-stage stomach cancer might not cause significant symptoms and can be a silent threat. As the disease grows to an advanced stage, it becomes more challenging to treat. With technological advancement, diagnosis and early-stage stomach cancer treatments have become more frequent. Advanced endoscopic tools are used to diagnose and treat stomach cancers. Read on to know more about the treatment of early-stage stomach cancer.
How does the Extent of Stomach Cancer Determine the Treatment Choices?
Stomach cancer treatment depends on your health, treatment preference, and most importantly, on how far your cancer has spread. Stomach cancer starts in the inner lining of your stomach and can grow and spread in many ways. It might grow through the stomach wall and spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
When cancer becomes advanced, it may travel through the lymph system or bloodstream and spread to organs like the lungs, liver, and bones. When cancer becomes more advanced, it is harder to treat. Most people get multiple treatments for their cancer. It is essential to consult a team of experienced doctors to review your stomach cancer, as treating it can be a challenging task.
Early-stage Stomach Cancer Treatments
The treatment is done by a care team comprising a primary care provider, a gastrointestinal specialist (gastroenterologist), and a cancer specialist (oncologist). You should seek their advice on treatment options. Mentioned below are some treatment options for early-stage stomach cancer.
Endoscopic Resection
In early stomach cancer, the chances of the disease spreading to the lymph nodes are significantly less. Therefore, endoscopic resection (removal) procedures have become the standard treatment for the early stages of stomach cancer.
A flexible tube named endoscope attached with light and camera is passed down a patient’s throat and to the affected area, which enables the doctor to see inside the body. Patients are sedated for their comfort and safety. With the help of specialized tools and techniques, early-stage cancer is removed.
Specialists require extensive training to perform this technique. Though this procedure gives better results, it is time-consuming and challenging to perform. This stomach cancer treatment is a safe and effective method with multiple added benefits, which include less pain after the procedure, a shorter recovery, a shorter stay in the hospital, and similar survival and recurrence rates to traditional surgery.
Gastrectomy
Based on how much cancer has spread, your doctor may advise surgery to remove a tumour, precancerous cells, or all or part of your stomach. If the tumour spreads beyond your stomach’s superficial layers, surgery is essential to remove the cancer-affected part of your stomach.
In subtotal gastrectomy, a part of your stomach affected by cancer is removed. Conversely, in total gastrectomy, your entire stomach is removed. Your oesophagus is then connected to your small intestine so that you can continue eating after a total gastrectomy.
When Should you Consult your Healthcare Provider?
When you feel you are at an increased risk of stomach cancer, consult your healthcare provider and discuss the pros and cons of regular screenings. Often, the symptoms associated with stomach cancer may be signals of another disease.
Therefore, it is essential to keep tabs on your symptoms and consult your doctor, who can make a definitive diagnosis. You should consult your doctor in case of symptoms like unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, trouble eating, nausea, diarrhoea, and bloody or black stool.
Timely Action is a Must If You Think you might have Stomach Cancer
You can have better outcomes when you receive treatment at a reputable cancer centre with experienced physicians and specialists. The Max Institute of Cancer Care offers a holistic and integrated stomach cancer treatment approach.
They have the best cancer doctors who are experts in Radiation Oncology, Surgical Oncology, and Medical Oncology. If you suspect you may have stomach cancer, schedule an appointment at the Max Institute of Cancer Care to assess your symptoms and perform diagnostic tests.
After thoroughly analysing your symptoms, the most appropriate screening is recommended and an individualized treatment plan is tailored as per your requirement.
Conclusion
Each cancer acts and presents differently. The 5-year survival rate for little spread of stomach cancer can be as high as 70%. For advanced spread, it is as low as 6%. It may be challenging to prevent stomach cancer, but if caught early, it may be treatable. If you have been diagnosed with early-stage stomach cancer, it is best to consult a doctor to help determine which treatment will work best for you. Get in touch with Max Healthcare group for expert opinions and medical guidance.
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