Stomach cancer is life-changing. However, it can also be manageable as doctors and researchers develop new stomach cancer treatments every year. Discover more about the available treatment options for gastric cancer, some common types of stomach cancer, and what you can expect when navigating this disease.
Types of Gastric and Stomach Cancer
There are several different types of stomach or gastric cancers. Some of the most common types include:
- Gastroesophageal junction cancer: This type of cancer occurs in the spot where the stomach connects to the esophagus.
- Neuroendocrine tumors: These tumors begin in the cells that line the digestive tracts to control the juices and muscles your body uses to break down food.
- Stromal tumors: Stromal tumors begin in the nerve cells and soft tissues around the stomach.
- Primary gastric lymphoma: A type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, this cancer forms in the stomach and spreads to lymph nodes in other areas of the body.
Gastric Cancer Treatment Options
Stomach Cancer Surgery
For people with early stages of stomach cancer, surgery is one of the first treatment options. Your cancer care team may recommend removing the lining of your stomach, or removing part or all of your stomach, depending on your specific circumstances.
Chemotherapy for Stomach Cancer
Chemotherapy uses specialized drugs to kill fast-growing cells throughout your body, including the cancer cells in your stomach. Your oncologist may administer chemotherapy drugs through an IV in your arm, or as an oral medication you take on a schedule.
Your doctor may also recommend a type of chemotherapy called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). After removing the tumor, your surgeon puts chemotherapy medicines directly into your belly. The medicine is left in your belly for a set amount of time before your surgeon drains it.
The goal of using chemotherapy is to stop stomach cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. However, it has some side effects, mostly in parts of the body with fast-growing cells. The most common side effects include fatigue, hair loss, mouth sores, and a temporary weakening of your immune system.
Radiation Therapy for Stomach Cancer
Radiation therapy uses beams of atomic energy like X-rays or protons to destroy stomach cancer cells. During radiation therapy, your radiology team will use a machine to aim the beams at precise points on your body.
Your doctor may recommend radiation therapy if you have earlier stages of gastric cancer. Used with other treatments like chemotherapy, it can stop your stomach tumor from growing or even cause it to shrink.
Targeted Therapy for Stomach Cancer
Targeted therapy uses specialized medication to block the proteins in stomach cancer cells from growing. While the concept is similar to chemotherapy, it only targets cancer cells—instead of targeting all types of fast-growing cells like hair or skin cells.
Your doctor will most likely recommend targeted therapy for advanced stomach cancer. They might also use it alongside chemotherapy or other treatments.
Immunotherapy for Stomach Cancer
One of the reasons you can’t treat stomach cancer the same way you’d treat a virus or bacterial infection is that your immune system can’t recognize or destroy cancer cells by itself.
Immunotherapy helps people with advanced stomach cancer by allowing or blocking certain proteins in your body from attaching to your immune system’s T cells. This helps them learn when to trigger an immune response to kill the cancer cells.
Stomach Cancer Palliative Care
Many people with gastric or stomach cancer experience abdominal pain when they’re receiving treatment. Palliative care helps keep that pain under control.
Your oncologist and cancer care team will provide recommendations for pain management throughout your treatment process. You might receive palliative care during other treatments to help you feel better, depending on what your team recommends.
Stomach Cancer Treatment Near You at The CHC
No two experiences with stomach cancer are exactly alike. That’s why our experts at The Cancer & Hematology Centers treat each diagnosis like the individual case that it is. We provide multiple treatment options for gastric cancer, along with clinical trials and cutting-edge procedures to set you on the path to recovery.
Discover More About Stomach Cancer Treatment Options
Our team of oncologists is here to help you through every step of your gastric cancer treatment. To learn more about your stomach cancer treatment options, call 800-411-7999 today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Causes Stomach Cancer?
Doctors are still researching what can cause stomach cancer. Sometimes, stomach cancer can develop on its own. However, several risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing it. These include:
- Smoking
- Prolonged acid reflux
- Certain stomach infections
- Stomach polyps
- A diet high in salty or smoked foods and low in fruits and vegetables
- A family history of stomach cancers
What Are the Signs of Stomach Cancer?
In its early stages, stomach cancer doesn’t typically have many symptoms. Once the cancer is more advanced, some of the symptoms include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling full, even after eating a snack or small meal
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Trouble swallowing
- Fatigue and weakness
- Heartburn
- Black stools or vomiting blood
Other conditions can cause these symptoms, too. Talk to your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms so they can find out what may be causing them.
Who Can Get Stomach Cancer?
Anyone can develop stomach cancer. However, it’s most likely to affect people who are:
- Over 65 years old
- Assigned male at birth
- Of East Asian, South or Central American, or Eastern European descent
However, it’s important to remember that not everyone in these groups will develop stomach cancer. Even more, stomach cancer can develop for people outside these groups who have never smoked and otherwise follow healthy lifestyles.