Live Life Team
Diagnosis of stomach cancer
As soon as any of the symptoms of stomach cancer are noticed, the GP must be consulted. First and foremost, the GP enquires about the symptoms being experienced and checks for any tenderness or lumpiness in the stomach.
Preliminary tests – if the GP feels you have been affected by stomach cancer, you will be referred for specific tests to a specialist. These include chest X-ray and a blood test. The stools are tested to check the presence of blood. The range of cancer can be identified once the diagnosis is confirmed and when the treatment is started. The grade and stage of cancer helps in knowing the best possible way to treat it.
Cancer Markers test – this refers to an additional test that is performed to check the blood for any chemicals called cancer markers. These are present only in certain kinds of cancer. In the case of stomach cancer, the cancer marker present is the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).
Endoscopic Ultrasound or Endoscopy – In this an endoscope is used to examine the inner stomach. The endoscope is a long, thin flexible tube which has a video camera and light at the end. An endoscopy is done on an empty stomach. The endoscope is passed down the throat and into the stomach, so that the specialist can clearly see if there are any cancerous tissues present. In certain cases, an ultra sound is performed along with the endoscopy.
Barium meal X-ray – In this method, liquid containing barium is used, which shows up the stomach on an X-ray. Usually, organs like the stomach don’t easily show up on an X-ray as the tissues they are made of are not dense enough and do not allow the X-ray to pass through.
Some other tests that are performed are:
Laparoscopy
MRI scan or CT scan
Liver ultrasound scan
Treatment of stomach cancer
A combination of chemotherapy, surgery and sometimes even radiotherapy is performed to treat stomach cancer. The treatment is well explained and provided by an oncologist (a cancer specialist).
Surgery – in most of the cases of stomach cancer, a surgery is required and it often involves a big operation. The basic aim of the surgery is to destroy the cancer. Although in rare cases in which the cancer has spread into the other parts, removal is not possible by a surgery alone.
Surgery performed to remove stomach cancer – if the cancer in the stomach is to be removed, a part or whole of the stomach itself is taken out. The surgery carried out to remove the stomach partially is called partial gastrectomy and the surgery done to remove the whole stomach is called total gastrectomy. At times even the gullet is taken out along with the full stomach. This procedure is called oesophagogastrectomy.
Partial Gastrectomy – if the cancer is present in lower area of the stomach, a partial gastrectomy is done.
Oesophagogastrectomy or Total Gastrectomy – if the cancer is present in the middle or upper area of the stomach, a total gastrectomy is carried out. If it is present near the gullet, even the gullet needs to be taken out, as in an oesophagogastrectomy is performed.
Surgery to control and ease the symptoms – if the cancer has spread in several different parts beyond the stomach, it is not possible to remove it wholly through a surgery. In such cases a blockage is caused in the stomach, which disrupts digestion of food, hence a surgery is carried out to ease the symptoms caused by this blockage.
Chemotherapy – this method is used to burn and destroy the rapidly developing cancerous cells. This is done before or after the surgery and involves several side effects like; nausea, hair loss, leukopenia, anaemia, etc.
Radiotherapy – this method involves the use of X-rays that are very high in energy that targets the cancerous cells. Some of the side effects of radiotherapy are; stomach pain, diarrhoea and tiredness.
Preventions of Stomach Cancer
Two main ways of preventing stomach cancer are:
Eating a healthy diet
Avoid and quit smoking.
