Stomach Cancer
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Most stomach cancer starts in the cells that line the stomach but may form anywhere in the stomach.
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Nutrition:
If you had surgery to remove part of your stomach, you may need to follow a special diet. This may decrease symptoms, such as dumping syndrome (food passing too quickly through your stomach and into your intestines). A dietitian may work with you to help reduce symptoms.
Medicines:
- Antibiotics help prevent or fight a bacterial infection.
- Antinausea medicine may be given to calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
- Pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for more medicine.
- Blood thinners may be given to prevent or treat blood clots.
Tests:
- Blood tests may be checked for anemia (lack of red blood cells). Stomach cancer can cause anemia to develop.
- An x-ray or CT may show the size and location of the tumor and if the cancer has spread. You may be given contrast liquid to help the tumor show up better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
- An endoscopy is a procedure used to find problems with how your digestive tract is working. A scope is used to see the inside of your digestive tract. A scope is a long, bendable tube with a light and camera on the end of it. Samples may be taken from your digestive tract and sent to a lab for tests. Small tumors may be removed, and bleeding may be treated during an endoscopy.
Treatment:
- Surgery called gastrectomy may be used to remove part or all of your stomach.
- Chemotherapy is medicine to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may also be used to shrink lymph nodes that have cancer in them.
- Radiation therapy uses x-rays or gamma rays to kill cancer cells, and may stop the cancer from spreading.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
You may get a blood clot in your arm or leg. This may become life-threatening. Cancer may return or spread to other organs.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Stomach Cancer
Treatment options
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
