Introduction

Stomach Cancer is  located on the right upper part of belly / abdomen. It is a part of digestive system of the body .It takes in food , digests it and absorbs nutrients .It is a common cancer found in Indian subcontinent.

Type

The most common type of Gall bladder and bile duct cancer are Adenocarcinoma. Then there are other types like Neuroendocrine tumours , Gastrointestinal stromal tumours ( GIST) etc.

Presentation

These cancers are generally detected  when a patient complaints of loss of appetite,  loss of weight  or blood in vomitus. In advanced stage they may present with swelling and fluid in the abdomen .

Diagnosis

There are certain tests used for diagnosis

1. Upper GI endoscopy- Endoscopy  is a device which looks like thin tube with camera and light at its end .This part is gently inserted into the mouth and one sees the growth inside the stomach or esophagus.It is also used to rake biopsy from the growth or ulcer.
2. Ultrasound of abdomen – it is a hand held device  which is kept over the abdomen .
3. Blood tests including tumour marker ( CA 19.9,CEA)
4. Biopsy - Biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue from the tumour using either ultrasound or CT scan. These small pieces are sent to pathologist for diagnosis.
5. CT scan or WBPET or MRI can be used for complete staging

Staging

Depending on the size of tumor and its spread they are divided into Stage I,II,III and Stage IV.

Treatment

Surgery is the only definitive treatment available. Many times chemotherapy is given prior to surgery ( Neo Adjuvant Chemotherapy) or after surgery (Adjuvant chemotherapy).

1. Surgery – This involves complete removal of stomach and draining lymph nodes.
2. Chemotherapy - Are given in the form of injections which are given in the form of cycles with period of rest in between .The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type of drugs , duration of treatment and dosOncologisoncologistte of the drugs . Common side effects are diarrhoea, hair loss, loss of appetite mouth ulcers etc
3. Radiation may be used at times for management of Stomach cancer.

For any further queries  you can contact any of the oncologist on this platform .