Stomach cancer occurs when cells in the stomach mutate and begin to grow uncontrollably. Stomach cancer often cause indigestion and a loss of appetite, as well as nausea, pain and vomiting. Stomach cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in the world, and is often deadly, especially after metastasis.
Difficult to Cure
Stomach cancer is typically very difficult to cure unless it is diagnosed early on. This is often difficult to do because the early stages of the cancer have few symptoms.
Surgery
Surgery often aims to remove the cancerous tissue, and usually involves cutting out some of the stomach. If the tumor has spread, other tissues, such as that of the pancreas, may also need to be removed.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses toxins that poison cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used to shrink tumors before surgery or to help reduce pain and other symptoms.
Radiation
Radiation therapy uses X-rays to damage the cancer cells. It can be used to shrink tumors before surgery or as a treatment for patients who are unable to undergo surgery.
Palliative Surgery
In the event that the cancer has spread from the stomach to other tissues, it is unlikely that surgery will cure the cancer. In these cases, surgery can, however, relieve pain and other symptoms.
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