Gastric Cancer

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Understanding Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a condition in which malignant cells form in the stomach lining. It often develops slowly and can go unnoticed until advanced stages. The most common type is adenocarcinoma, though others like lymphomas, carcinoid tumors, and GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) also occur.

Symptoms can include:

Persistent indigestion or heartburn
Unexplained weight loss
Stomach pain or discomfort
Feeling full after small meals
Blood in the stool or vomiting

Risk factors include:

Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori
Diets high in salted, smoked, or pickled foods
Smoking and alcohol use
Family history of stomach cancer
Age over 50 and being male

For general digestive health and conditions, visit our Gastroenterology Center.

Diagnosis and Advanced Treatment at Vibhavadi Hospital

At Vibhavadi Hospital, we emphasize accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans using advanced technology.

Diagnostic procedures include:

Endoscopy with biopsy – A camera-equipped tube examines the stomach lining.
CT and PET scans – Assess the spread of the disease.
Blood tests – Measure liver function and tumor markers like CEA and CA 19-9.

Our team classifies the cancer using TNM staging (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) to guide the most effective treatment.

Treatment options:

Surgery (partial or total gastrectomy)
Chemotherapy – Often combined with surgery
Targeted therapy – For HER2-positive cancers
Immunotherapy – For advanced stages
Palliative care – For symptom relief in later stages

Read more about our Oncology Services and how we support patients with complex cancer care needs.

Supportive Care and Patient Services

Cancer treatment at Vibhavadi Hospital goes beyond medical intervention. We provide holistic care through:

Multidisciplinary team: Surgeons, oncologists, nutritionists, radiologists
Patient support programs: Emotional, nutritional, and rehabilitation support
Post-treatment monitoring: Regular follow-ups for recurrence checks
Insurance coordination: Our staff will assist you with insurance claims

We aim to make treatment as accessible as possible through personalized financial consultation. You can also book an appointment online or learn more about the Health Check-up Packages which can help with early detection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the survival rate for stomach cancer?
A: It depends on the stage at diagnosis. Early-stage stomach cancer has a much better prognosis than advanced-stage disease.

Q: Is surgery always required?
A: Not always. Some early-stage cancers may be treated with endoscopic resection, while advanced cases may require a combination of treatments.

Q: What is HER2-positive stomach cancer?
A: A subset of stomach cancers that overexpress the HER2 protein, which responds well to targeted therapies like trastuzumab.

Q: Can stomach cancer be prevented?
A: While not all cases are preventable, risk can be reduced by avoiding smoked/salted foods, quitting smoking, and treating H. pylori infections.

Q: Does Vibhavadi Hospital offer second opinions?
A: Yes, our specialists welcome patients seeking second opinions for treatment planning or diagnosis confirmation.