Stomach cancer--also known as gastric cancer--forms in the stomach, but it can spread to other body parts as well. It most commonly develops in the mucus lining of the stomach. Gastric cancer is a rare cancer form in most countries, including the United States. However, it is more common in countries such as Japan and Korea. Various treatment options are available that work on various other cancers, such as brain cancer (cancer that develops in the cells of the brain) as well. Some of them are elucidated below.
Surgery
Surgery is often considered to be one of the most effective treatments for patients suffering from cancer, including stomach and brain cancer. However, the extent of the surgical procedure varies significantly from person to person depending upon how the cancer spreads. In most cases of stomach cancer, only the damaged portion of the stomach is surgically removed to prevent the cancer from spreading to the entire stomach as well as to other body parts. Similarly, in most brain cancer cases, the affected part of the brain is removed.
However, in certain severe and rare cases, the entire stomach is removed (complete gastrectomy). In such a scenario, the esophagus is connected to the small intestine to aid in the digestion of food.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is another common treatment for patients suffering from stomach cancer and brain cancer. In this method, the cancerous tumor or cells are exposed to high-energy and high-wavelength radiations of light. According to a Mayo Clinic study, it has been found that such an exposure is effective at reducing the size of the malignant cells and also helps destroy the cells completely, hence preventing the further proliferation and circulation of the cancer cells to the other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy
Another treatment that is frequently prescribed to cancer patients, including those suffering from stomach and brain cancer, is chemotherapy. In this method, certain anti-cancer drugs such as Velban and Pacitaxel are either injected intravenously or administered orally to the patients. These medications help damage the cancerous cells and hence prevent their growth and proliferation.
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