How is Gastric Cancer diagnosed?
- Gastroscopy: A doctor inserts a pipe-shaped endoscope into the stomach and duodenum through the mouth and esophagus of the patient to examine the stomach wall. Tissue samples will be taken for pathological examination.
- Imaging Examination: Positron PET computer scanning can display cell metabolism, which may effectively tracks early cancer lesions. Some gastric cancer will not show up in pet scan. Computer scanning can also detect fine tumors and provide three-dimensional images of tumors. In addition, an MRI scan can show clear images of soft tissues such as the stomach wall, gastric cavity, etc. All can be used to diagnose the stage of gastric cancer and whether there is cancer metastasis.
Treatment
Generally speaking, surgery is the most effective treatment for gastric cancer at the moment, as it has a better effect on cancer control or later digestive function. If the cancer is detected early, patients can have their stomach removed via surgery as an extreme measure. In addition to early gastric cancer, two therapies are combined to complement each other, increase treatment efficacy, and reduce the risk of recurrence and spread.
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Removal of gastric tissues invaded by cancer cells. The scope of the surgery depends on the size and location of the tumor. As cancer cells may spread to lymph nodes near the stomach with lymph fluid, they must be removed as well. After removal, the stomach and small intestines will be connected and reorganized. In the past, gastric surgery was mostly performed in an open manner. Now, with assistance from da Vinci robotic arms, doctors can precisely remove the tumor without damaging muscles, reduce risk of side effects, and improve recovery. Patients typically can leave their bed the next day, and can be discharged from the hospital within a week.
Postoperative Diet: The patient must eat liquid and soft meals for one to two weeks after the operation. Normal eating may resume after this period, as both rice and meat can be eaten. Pay attention to cutting foods and avoid eating potatoes with skin and mushrooms.
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Radiation Therapy
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Uses high-energy rays to kill cancerous tissue. In addition, it can be done before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor.
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Chemotherapy
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Used against tumors that have spread, as the drug can travel throughout the body via blood, attacking and destroying remaining cancer cells in the body.
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Adjuvant Therapy
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Patients who undergo surgery from stage 2 to stage 4 will receive adjuvant therapy afterwards, according to the cancer stage and physical condition. This therapy includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of both to remove remaining cancer cells. Ideally, adjuvant therapy should begin four weeks after surgery.
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Targeted Drug Therapy
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If the patient tests positive for the HER2 receptor, they may consider adding targeted drugs that inhibit HER2 proteins during chemotherapy, which can effectively relieve the condition.
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