How is gastric cancer treated?

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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The treatment methods for gastric cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, as well as broad-spectrum targeted therapies against angiogenesis, such as apatinib. Immunotherapy is also an option. However, the specific treatment plan is based on a comprehensive consideration of various factors, including the stage of the cancer and the general condition of the patient. The principle is that for early-stage gastric cancer patients, if the surgeon assesses that surgery is feasible, then radical surgical treatment is primarily used. For advanced-stage patients who are in generally good condition, chemotherapy is the main treatment, combined with a consideration of whether to undergo radiotherapy. For those in very advanced stages, who may not be in good health or those who have had chemotherapy with poor results, anti-angiogenic drugs like apatinib can be chosen as a subsequent treatment.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Mid-stage symptoms of gastric cancer

Symptoms of mid-stage gastric cancer can include nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, decreased food intake, and upper abdominal pain, as well as symptoms related to the digestive tract. Some patients may also experience black stool or even vomiting blood, which are symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, there can be bloating and abdominal pain. If the tumor is located near the pylorus and causes pyloric obstruction, clinical symptoms will include vomiting, vomiting of overnight food, and resulting in gastric retention. This can lead to significant symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, acid reflux, and nausea.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?

Symptoms of gastric cancer, especially in the early stages, generally include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, discomfort or bloating in the upper abdomen, pain, and acid reflux as some of the gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as vomiting blood and black stools. Black stools are tar-like stools, and their occurrence indicates bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, if the tumor causes pyloric obstruction, the patient will vomit food eaten the night before, be completely unable to eat, and experience a significant weight loss. In even more advanced stages, gastric cancer patients may develop a cachectic state.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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How is stomach cancer treated?

The treatment for gastric cancer now includes surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, among others. The specific treatment plan is formulated based on various factors such as the staging of the cancer, the patient's overall condition, and the presence of any underlying diseases, which are all taken into consideration before deciding on a treatment plan. For patients in the early stages who are generally in good condition, surgical resection can be evaluated and is primarily curative. Post-operative treatment decisions, such as whether to pursue adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy, depend on the pathology results and the presence of high-risk factors for recurrence. For patients in advanced stages who are found to have distant metastases upon diagnosis, treatment is primarily chemotherapy. Additionally, there are broad-spectrum targeted therapies against angiogenesis, such as apatinib, which are suitable for patients with advanced gastric cancer or those who do not respond well to chemotherapy, serving as a secondary or tertiary line of treatment. These are some of the treatment methods for gastric cancer. It is crucial that the use of any medication is conducted under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Is gastric cancer contagious?

Gastric cancer is a malignant tumor occurring in the epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa. It is non-contagious. Currently, the incidence of gastric cancer is relatively high, primarily due to Helicobacter pylori infection, adverse environmental factors, and dietary irritants. Genetic factors also play a significant role, with 10% of gastric cancer patients having a family history. Those with a family history of gastric cancer have an incidence rate that is 2 to 3 times higher than the general population. Additionally, precancerous lesions can also induce gastric cancer, such as intestinal metaplasia, gastric polyps, residual gastritis, and gastric ulcers. Typical symptoms include indigestion, anemia, lack of appetite, aversion to food, and fatigue. Currently, gastroscopy combined with mucosal biopsy is the most reliable diagnostic method.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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How to check for gastric cancer?

When clinical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, gastric distension or upper abdominal pain, acid reflux, or hematemesis, as well as melena occur, it is necessary to consider the possibility of gastric cancer and seek timely medical attention. Completing a gastroscopy and obtaining a biopsy under gastroscopy are essential. If cancer cells are found, this is the most important diagnostic method for confirming gastric cancer. After the diagnosis of gastric cancer, further examinations like endoscopic ultrasound and CT scans of the chest and abdomen are required to assess the approximate stage of the patient and to decide the subsequent treatment plan.