Treatment FAQ

best treatment for stomach cancer & where to go

by Anahi Daugherty Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Any treatment, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy, is considered palliative therapy. Surgery is rarely used, and the main treatment is usually chemotherapy. It is important to note that studies show that the use of palliative chemotherapy for stomach cancer can improve both the length and quality of life.

Medication

These include:

  • Garlic
  • Ginkgo
  • Echinacea
  • Ginseng
  • St. John's wort
  • Kava

Procedures

“Gastric cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related death, worldwide,” says Tae Hyun Hwang, PhD, the Florida Department of Health cancer chair at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center in Florida. Hwang points out that most patients with gastric cancer are treated with chemotherapy, and sometimes immunotherapy, as part of their treatment plan.

Therapy

  • University Hospital Duesseldorf
  • University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
  • University Hospital Ulm
  • University Hospital Frankfurt Am Main
  • University Hospital Heidelberg

Self-care

You might have:

  • chemotherapy
  • radiotherapy
  • surgery to control symptoms
  • symptom control, for example treatment to help you swallow food
  • trastuzumab (Herceptin) targeted cancer drug for cancers that have the HER2 protein

Nutrition

What herbs are good for stomach cancer?

How do you cure stomach cancer?

What is the best hospital for stomach cancer?

What is the treatment for Stage 4 stomach cancer?

See more

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What is the typical treatment for stomach cancer?

Surgery. Surgery is a common treatment of all stages of gastric cancer. The following types of surgery may be used: Subtotal gastrectomy: Removal of the part of the stomach that contains cancer, nearby lymph nodes, and parts of other tissues and organs near the tumor.

Can stomach cancer be treated successfully?

How stomach cancer is treated. Many cases of stomach cancer can't be completely cured, but it's still possible to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life using chemotherapy and in some cases radiotherapy and surgery. If operable, surgery can cure stomach cancer as long as all of the cancerous tissue can be removed ...

Does stomach cancer spread quickly?

Stomach cancer is a slow-growing cancer that usually develops over a year or longer.

What is the life expectancy of stomach cancer?

5-year relative survival rates for stomach cancerSEER stage5-year relative survival rateLocalized70%Regional32%Distant6%All SEER stages combined32%Mar 1, 2022

Can chemo cure stomach cancer?

Chemo can be given before surgery for stomach cancer. This is known as neoadjuvant treatment. (Sometimes chemo is given along with radiation therapy, which is known as chemoradiation.) Neoadjuvant treatment can often shrink the tumor and possibly make surgery easier.

Where Does stomach cancer spread first?

The most common place for stomach cancer to spread is to the liver. It can also spread to the lungs, to lymph nodes or to the tissue lining the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

What is the main cause of stomach cancer?

Though the actual cause of stomach cancer is not yet known, there are some factors associated with it, particularly diet and lifestyle. For example, a diet high in smoked or salted foods and processed meat and low in vegetables is a risk factor for stomach cancer, as is drinking alcohol and smoking.

How do you feel when you have stomach cancer?

Feeling full: Many stomach cancer patients experience a sense of "fullness" in the upper abdomen after eating small meals. Heartburn: Indigestion, heartburn or symptoms similar to an ulcer may be signs of a stomach tumor. Nausea and vomiting: Some stomach cancer patients have symptoms that include nausea and vomiting.

Can you have stomach cancer for years without knowing?

Can stomach cancer go undetected? Yes, stomach cancer can go undetected for years because there are no warning signs in the early stages. However, while early signs of stomach cancer are often vague, recognizing them will increase the likelihood of discovering the disease sooner.

Can you live 10 years with stomach cancer?

Survival for all stages of stomach cancer more than 20 out of 100 people (more than 20%) will survive their cancer for 5 years or more. more than 15 out of 100 people (more than 15%) will survive their cancer for 10 years or more.

Is stomach cancer the worst cancer?

Stomach cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. It is estimated that 11,090 deaths (6,690 men and 4,400 women) from this disease will occur in the United States this year. In 2020, an estimated 768,793 people died from stomach cancer worldwide.

What are the odds of beating stomach cancer?

People in the early stages of stomach cancer have a much better prognosis than those at a later stage. The 5-year survival rate for stomach cancer may be as high as 70% (for little spread) or as low as 6% (for advanced spread).

What is the best treatment for stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer is often treated by a team of doctors with different specialties. Most likely, your treatment team will include: 1 A gastroenterologist: a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the digestive system 2 A surgical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with surgery 3 A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy 4 A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy

What kind of doctor treats stomach cancer?

Most likely, your treatment team will include: A gastroenterologist: a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the digestive system. A surgical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with surgery. A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer ...

What is complementary medicine?

Complementary methods refer to treatments that are used along with your regular medical care. Alternative treatments are used instead of a doctor’s medical treatment.

Why is communicating with your cancer team important?

Communicating with your cancer care team is important so you understand your diagnosis, what treatment is recommended, and ways to maintain or improve your quality of life. Different types of programs and support services may be helpful, and can be an important part of your care. These might include nursing or social work services, financial aid, ...

What is the goal of cancer treatment?

One of the most important things to discuss is the goal of your treatment, including whether it might be possible to try to cure the cancer, or if treatment should be focused more on keeping the cancer under control for as long as possible and preventing or treating problems such as trouble eating, pain, or bleeding.

What do people with cancer need?

People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.

What are the services offered by the American Cancer Society?

These might include nursing or social work services, financial aid, nutritional advice, rehab, or spiritual help. The American Cancer Society also has programs and services – including rides to treatment, lodging, and more – to help you get through treatment.

How to remove tumors from stomach?

Very small cancers limited to the inside lining of the stomach may be removed by passing special tools through an endoscope. Procedures to cut away cancer from the inside lining of the stomach include endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal resection.

What is the test used to detect stomach cancer?

The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. Imaging tests. Imaging tests used to look for stomach cancer include CT scans and a special type of X-ray exam called a barium swallow.

What is the purpose of a total gastrectomy?

Total gastrectomy is used most often for stomach cancers that affect the body of the stomach and those that are located in the gastroesophageal junction. Removing lymph nodes to look for cancer.

What kind of doctor do you see for stomach cancer?

Once stomach cancer is diagnosed, you may be referred to a cancer specialist (oncologist) or a surgeon who specializes in operating on the digestive tract. Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of information to discuss, it's a good idea to be prepared.

What is the stage of stomach cancer?

The stages of stomach cancer are indicated by Roman numerals that range from 0 to IV, with the lowest stages indicating that the cancer is small and affects only the inner layers of your stomach. By stage IV, the cancer is considered advanced and may have spread to other areas of the body.

What is the procedure to insert a tube down your throat and into your esophagus?

Diagnosis. An endoscopy procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus. A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope lets your doctor examine your esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine (duodenum).

What is the procedure to remove a part of the stomach?

Removing part of the stomach (subtotal gastrectomy). During subtotal gastrectomy, the surgeon removes the part of the stomach affected by cancer and some of the healthy tissue around it. This operation may be an option if your stomach cancer is located in the part of the stomach nearest the small intestine.

What is the procedure called when you have a cancerous stomach?

When the stomach is taken out, the surgeon connects the esophagus directly to the small intestine. A reconstructive procedure called roux-en-Y creates a small pouch, which serves as a stomach, at the connection.

What type of cancer is treated with chemotherapy?

Types of Chemotherapy Used to Treat Stomach Cancer 1 Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (chemotherapy before surgery): Studies have shown that patients with locally advanced stomach cancer have improved survival if they have chemotherapy before surgery, sometimes with radiation therapy. If you are receiving chemotherapy and radiation together, your care team will work with you to make sure you have nutritional support, since the treatment can cause nausea, and significant weight loss. 2 Adjuvant chemotherapy (chemotherapy after surgery): If your stomach cancer is more advanced, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy after surgery as part of the overall treatment plan.

What is the procedure to remove a portion of the stomach?

There are several different surgical procedures called gastrectomies that involve removing a portion or all of the stomach where the cancer is present. Your treatment plan may also include chemotherapy and radiation therapy in addition to surgery.

How many lymph nodes are removed from stomach?

When it comes to treating stomach cancer with surgery, lymph node removal is an important medical standard in the United States is the extraction of 15 lymph nodes. Johns Hopkins surgeons take out more than 15 lymph nodes for more accurate staging.

What is partial gastricectomy?

For cancers in the lower (distal) portion of the stomach, your doctor may choose to remove the lower two-thirds of the stomach along with the nearby fatty tissue and lymph nodes. The surgeon then attaches the remaining part of the stomach to the intestine.

How long does chemo last?

You undergo a period of treatment followed by a rest period to give your body time to recover. Each cycle typically lasts for a few weeks.

Can radiation therapy help with stomach cancer?

Stomach Cancer Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy can help treat stomach cancer in several ways, and is often used along with chemotherapy, both before and after surgery.

What is the best treatment for stomach cancer?

Surgery is the most common treatment for stomach cancer, many times combined with chemotherapy and radiation. If all three therapies are needed, MD Anderson’s standard approach is to give chemotherapy and radiation before surgery. This method is usually more successful and better tolerated.

What to do if you have stomach cancer?

If you are diagnosed with stomach cancer, your doctor will discuss the best options to treat it. This will depend on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the location of the tumor and your general health.

What is the goal of a gastrectomy?

Gastrectomy: The goal of a gastrectomy is to completely remove the stomach cancer and affected nearby lymph nodes (tissues that filter infection and disease) while preserving as much stomach function as possible. There are several types of gastrectomy including:

What is the procedure to remove a tumor from the stomach?

This method is typically used to treat stomach cancers with low likelihood of lymph node spread. Subtotal (distal) gastrectomy: The cancerous part of the stomach, nearby lymph nodes and parts of other organs near the tumor are surgically removed.

What is the procedure to remove stomach cancer?

Surgical techniques for stomach cancer may include: Endoscopic mucosal resection: An endoscope is inserted down the throat and into the stomach, allowing doctors to remove certain types of early, non-invasive stomach cancers.

Does MD Anderson treat stomach cancer?

MD Anderson's skilled surgeons use specialized procedures to treat stomach cancer while helping you retain as much of the stomach as possible. However, if surgical removal of part or all of the stomach is unavoidable, we have the skill and staff to help you adjust to life after surgery. Surgical techniques for stomach cancer may include:

Can you take vitamin supplements after stomach cancer surgery?

Some patients may have a feeding tube inserted directly into the small intestine; others may need to take vitamin supplements as pills or shots (injections). MD Anderson dieticians will support you in meeting your nutritional requirements after stomach cancer surgery.

What is the treatment for stage 1 gastric cancer?

Surgical resection including regional lymphadenectomy is the treatment of choice for patients with stage I gastric cancer. [ 1] If the lesion is not in the cardioesophageal junction and does not diffusely involve the stomach, subtotal gastrectomy is the procedure of choice, because it has been demonstrated to provide equivalent survival when compared with total gastrectomy and is associated with decreased morbidity. [ 4 ] [ Level of evidence: 1iiA] When the lesion involves the cardia, proximal subtotal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy (including a sufficient length of esophagus) may be performed with curative intent. If the lesion diffusely involves the stomach, total gastrectomy is required. At a minimum, surgical resection includes greater and lesser curvature perigastric regional lymph nodes. In patients with stage I gastric cancer, perigastric lymph nodes may contain cancer.

How many people can be cured of gastric cancer?

In localized distal gastric cancer, more than 50% of patients can be cured. However, early-stage disease accounts for only 10% to 20% of all cases diagnosed in the United States. The remaining patients present with metastatic disease in either regional or distant sites.

How long does proximal gastric cancer last?

Even with apparent localized disease, the 5-year survival rate of patients with proximal gastric cancer is only 10% to 15%. Although the treatment of patients with disseminated gastric cancer may result in palliation of symptoms and some prolongation of survival, long remissions are uncommon.

What is the prognosis of gastric cancer?

The prognosis of patients with gastric cancer is related to tumor extent and includes both nodal involvement and direct tumor extension beyond the gastric wall. [ 8, 9] Tumor grade may also provide some prognostic information. [ 10 ]

What is the reference standard for esophagogastric cancer?

Of all the combination regimens, epirubicin, cisplatin, and 5-FU (ECF) is often considered the reference standard in the United States and Europe. In one European trial, 274 patients with metastatic esophagogastric cancer were randomly assigned to receive either ECF or 5-FU, doxorubicin, and methotrexate (FAMTX).

Cancer May Spread From Where It Began To Other Parts Of The Body

When cancer spreads to another part of the body, it is called metastasis. Cancer cells break away from where they began and travel through the lymph system or blood.

Treatment For Stomach Cancer

The main treatments for stomach cancer are surgery and chemotherapy. Sometimes, radiotherapy or targeted therapy treatments are used. The treatments can be used alone or in combination with each other.

What Is Stage 4 Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is cancer that starts in the stomach. Its staged according to how far it has spread at the time of diagnosis.

What Happens If Youve Been Told Your Cancer Cannot Be Cured

If you have advanced stomach cancer, it might be very hard to treat. It may not be possible to cure the cancer.

Living With Advanced Cancer

Advanced cancer usually means cancer that is unlikely to be cured. Some people can live for many months or years with advanced cancer. During this time palliative care services can help.

Surgery To Help Control The Symptoms Of Stomach Cancer

You may need surgery to relieve a blockage in the stomach. This helps food pass through your stomach more easily.

Treatment Of Gastric Cancer

Correspondence to: Michele Orditura, MD, PhD, Division of Medical Oncology, Dipartimento di Medicina, Clinica e Sperimentale F. Magrassi-A. Lanzara, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, c/o II Policlinico, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.

What is it called when cancer cells form in the stomach?

Fabian McCartney Johnston, M.D., M.H.S. When cancer cells form in the lining of the stomach, it’s called gastric cancer. If you or a family member has recently been diagnosed with gastric cancer, you want to make sure you are choosing the best treatment team.

What is the name of the test performed after gastric cancer diagnosis?

That means after someone is diagnosed with gastric cancer, I will perform the initial testing (called an endoscopy). Endoscopy allows us to determine the extent of involvement of the cancer. Then, they will meet with one of our surgical oncologists to figure out the best treatment plan. The surgeon often will request an advanced endoscopic ...

Why do people repeat gastrectomies?

There are a couple of reasons for this: Better outcomes: Studies show that people who repeat a particular surgery over and over get better at it. When you have a hospital where surgeons perform many gastrectomies, it’s known as a high-volume center. These high-volume centers have consistently better patient outcomes.

Why is neoadjuvant chemotherapy important?

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy shrinks the tumor before the surgery so it’s easier to remove. This is why it’s important for doctors to discuss your case with each other as well as with you. This planning stage is as important — if not more so — than the surgery itself. If you do it right, you optimize the best outcome.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Coping and Support

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rakshith Bharadwaj
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, either alone or in combination. The choice of treatment is based on the stage, severity, and overall health of the patient.
Medication

Chemotherapy: Drugs used to kill cancer cells.

Docetaxel . Cisplatin


Immunotherapy: Uses antibodies to identify and kill cancer cells.

Trastuzumab . Ramucirumab . Imatinib

Procedures

Esophagectomy: Removing the affected part of the gastroesophageal junction along with a little healthy tissue and nearby lymph nodes.

Endoscopic mucosal resection: Removing small cancer masses.

Subtotal gastrectomy: Removing the affected part of stomach.

Total gastrectomy: The entire stomach along with some of the surrounding tissues is removed.

Therapy

Radiation therapy:Uses high powered rays to kill the cancer cells.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Take your medicines as prescribed
  • Do not skip your regular visits to the doctor
  • Stay active

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • High protein foods: e.g. milk, eggs, cheese
  • High fiber foods: e.g. whole grains, whole wheat bread, rice
  • Bland foods: e.g. crackers, dry toast
  • Clear liquids: apple juice, tea, broth

Foods to avoid:

  • NA

Specialist to consult

Oncologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Gastroenterologist
Specializes in the digestive system and its disorders.

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Tests and procedures used to diagnose stomach cancer include: 1. A tiny camera to see inside your stomach (upper endoscopy).A thin tube containing a tiny camera is passed down your throat and into your stomach. Your doctor can use it to look for signs of cancer. 2. Removing a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy).If any suspicious areas are found d...
See more on mayoclinic.org

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