Stomach Cancer Chemotherapy

Stomach cancer is common worldwide and affects all races, it is more common in men than women, and has its peak age between 40 and 60. mortality from stomach cancer is higher in Japan and Chile, presumably because of different diets in countries where they are less dependent on red meat.

Over the past 25 years, the incidence of stomach cancer in the western world has decreased by 50% and the mortality rate that results is less than one third of what it was, but in less developed, it remains a major cause of death, probably because in these countries when the disease is diagnosed (usually by using a barium meal), the stomach cancer is very advanced.

TYPES stomach cancer

There are several types of cancer of the stomach, some of which are very rare. The most common types of early gastric cancer in the gland cells of the lining of the stomach (adenocarcinoma), this is where stomach acid and digestive enzymes are made and where most stomach cancers departure. When the stomach cancer becomes more advanced, it can travel through the bloodstream and spread to organs like the liver, lungs and bones. gastric cancers that begin in lymphatic tissue (lymphoma) in the muscular tissue of the stomach (sarcoma) or in tissues that support organs of the digestive system (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) are less common and are treated different.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Early signs of stomach cancer are chronic dyspepsia and epigastric discomfort, followed in later stages of weight loss, anorexia, a feeling of fullness after eating, anemia and fatigue. Blood in the stool may also be present and if the cancer is at the cardia (top) vomiting may occur.

CAUSATION

The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown although the presence of the bacterium Helicopter pylori seems to be an important factor. The predisposing factors are environmental influences such as smoking and high alcohol consumption. Because stomach cancer is more common among those with family history and with people with blood type A, genetic factors are also involved. Dietary factors, particularly methods of food preservation such as pickling, smoking or salting also have an influence on the prevalence of stomach cancer.

DIAGNOSIS

Stomach cancer is diagnosed in an examination that may include an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series, endoscopy or gastroscopy where a thin flexible tube is passed into the throat so the doctor can see into the stomach, esophagus and upper intestine and barium meal barium swallows. Because stomach cancer can spread to the liver, pancreas and other organs near the stomach and lungs, the doctor may order a CAT scan, PET scan, endoscopic ultrasound, or other tests to check these areas.

Stomach cancer can spread (metastasize) to the esophagus or small intestine, and can extend through the stomach wall to nearby lymph nodes, and organs. Metastasis occurs in 80-90% of people with stomach cancer, with a rate of five-year survival of 75% for those diagnosed at an early stage and less than 30% of those diagnosed at an advanced stage.

TREATMENT

Although stomach cancer may be treated by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, in many cases surgery is the treatment of choice. Even in patients whose disease is not considered a surgical curable, resection offers a palliative effect and improves the potential benefits of chemotherapy.

The nature and extent of the cancer determines the type of surgery is most appropriate. Common surgical procedures include partial and complete removal of the stomach.

Antiemetics can control nausea, which increases as the cancer advanced. In the most benefit.