Cancer can develop in any area of the stomach when cells grow and divide abnormally. Most stomach cancers begin in the glandular tissue within the abdomen. This specific type of cancer is known as gastric cancer or, more technically, adenocarcinoma of the stomach.
Small cell carcinomas, lymphomas, neuroendocrine tumours, and gastrointestinal stromal tumours are uncommon forms of stomach cancer. Around the world, stomach cancer is a pretty prevalent malignancy. However, the number of cases has been declining.
In 2023, it's estimated that around 2,500 new cases of stomach cancer will be diagnosed, with the average age at diagnosis being around 70 years. Given these statistics, discussing this disease and understanding the treatment options is crucial. This article aims to guide you through understanding stomach cancer, its diagnosis, and the stomach cancer treatment process aided by health insurance.
Treatment for Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a severe condition that requires a comprehensive treatment approach. The stomach cancer treatment plan depends on the stage of the cancer, the location within the stomach, the overall health of the patient, and other individual factors.
Here is an overview of the stomach cancer treatment procedure :
Surgery
- Subtotal Gastrectomy: Removal of part of the stomach that contains cancer, nearby lymph nodes, and surrounding tissues.
- Total Gastrectomy: Removal of the nearby lymph nodes and parts of the oesophagus and small intestine in the stomach. The oesophagus is then connected directly to the small intestine.
Chemotherapy
- Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Administered before surgery to shrink tumours and make them more operable.
- Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Given after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Radiation Therapy
- External Beam Radiation: Targets cancer cells outside the body using a focused radiation beam.
- Brachytherapy: Involves placing a radioactive source directly into or near the tumour.
Targeted Therapy
- Trastuzumab (Herceptin): If the cancer cells overexpress the HER2 protein, targeted therapy with trastuzumab may be recommended.
- Ramucirumab (Cyramza): In some cases, this targeted therapy may be used to slow the growth of cancer cells.
Immunotherapy:
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda): Immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab may be used in advanced cases to enhance the body's immune response against cancer cells.
Supportive Care
- Nutritional Support: Nutritional support is crucial as stomach cancer and its treatment can affect digestion. This may involve dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements, or, in severe cases, feeding tubes.
- Pain Management:Controlling pain is integral to the treatment plan, and medications or other pain management techniques may be employed.
Conclusion
Early detection significantly improves stomach cancer treatment. Regular screenings and seeking medical attention for persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, indigestion, weight loss, or difficulty swallowing are essential. Patients and their families should actively participate in discussions with healthcare professionals to understand the treatment options. You can also use health insurance to benefit yourself financially in such times of crisis.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.
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