ZenHeal Cancer Hospital
Stomach Cancer: symptoms, tests and treatment
Stomach (gastric) cancer often begins with vague symptoms like indigestion or loss of appetite, so many people reach a doctor late. A timely endoscopy for persistent symptoms is the best way to catch it early, when surgery can cure it.
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Warning signs of stomach cancer
- Indigestion or burning that does not settle with antacids
- Feeling full after small meals, or loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting, or vomiting blood
- Black, tarry stools
- Upper abdominal pain and weight loss
These signs often have other causes. If one lasts more than two to three weeks, see a doctor and get it checked.
Who is at higher risk
- H. pylori infection
- Diet high in salted, smoked or pickled food
- Smoking
- Family history of stomach cancer
- Previous stomach surgery
How stomach cancer is diagnosed
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1
Upper GI endoscopy and biopsy
A camera passed through the mouth examines the stomach and takes samples.
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2
CT scan
Shows spread to lymph nodes, liver or the lining of the abdomen.
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3
Staging laparoscopy
A small keyhole procedure sometimes used before surgery to check for hidden spread.
Treatment options
The right plan depends on the stage, the type of cancer and your overall health. Most patients receive more than one of these.
Surgery (gastrectomy)
Removal of part or all of the stomach with its lymph nodes. Patients learn to eat smaller, more frequent meals afterwards.
Perioperative chemotherapy
Chemotherapy before and after surgery improves cure rates for most operable cancers.
Chemotherapy and targeted therapy
For advanced cancer, to control the disease and relieve symptoms. HER2-positive tumours can receive targeted drugs.
Stomach Cancer treatment at ZenHeal Cancer Hospital
Both hospitals have surgical oncologists experienced in stomach and food pipe cancer surgery, with chemotherapy before and after surgery planned at the same hospital.
04 / Beyond treatment
Care that supports you through treatment, recovery and beyond.
Doctors who treat stomach cancer
Common questions about stomach cancer
If you are over 40 with new indigestion, or have symptoms with weight loss, vomiting, difficulty swallowing or black stools, see a doctor for an endoscopy.
Yes. After recovery most people eat small, frequent meals, take vitamin B12 and live normal lives.
Early stomach cancer is often curable with surgery. Chemotherapy before and after surgery improves results for more advanced but operable cancers.