Gastric cancer

Alternative names:

cancer of the stomach; stomach cancer

Treatment:

Surgery on the stomach (gastrectomy) is the only curative treatment. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can be beneficial.

Support groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group and gastrointestinal disorders - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

There is a wide variation in malignancy of gastric tumors. Ten percent of patients with surgical resection will be cured of cancer. Sources report that in Japan, where mass screenings detect gastric cancers earlier, cure rates are increased.

Complications:

A complication is the cancer spreading (metastasizing) to other organs or tissues.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of gastric cancer develop.