Download Stomach Cancer - Kettering General Hospital

Surgery
Stomach Cancer
(Gastric Cancer)
Information
Introduction
The incidence of stomach cancer around the world varies from
country to country, but in Britain and most developed countries, it
is becoming less common. This is probably partly due to a better
diet.
About 12,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with the disease
each year. It is more common in men than women and tends to
be a disease of older people, being unusual under the age of 45.
This booklet has been written to help you understand more about
cancer of the stomach (gastric cancer), its diagnosis and its
treatment.
Your doctor or nurse will be glad to discuss the contents of this
booklet further and provide you with information or advice specific
to you.
What is cancer?
The human body is made up of tiny building blocks called cells.
Cancer is a disease of these cells. To enable growth and repair of
the body tissues, cells reproduce themselves in an orderly and
controlled manner. Sometimes this process gets out of control
and the cells over reproduce, developing into a lump, which is
called a tumour.
Tumours can be described as benign (non-cancerous) or
malignant (cancerous). Benign tumours do not spread to other
parts of the body, however, malignant tumours can spread.
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Malignant cells can travel in the blood stream and lymphatic
system to other parts of the body. These cells then go on dividing
to form a new tumour, known as a secondary.
Cancer is not a single disease with a single cause, nor is there a
single type of treatment. There are more than 200 different types
of cancer. All cancers can be treated, but not all can be cured.
The stomach
When food is swallowed it passes down the oesophagus (gullet)
into the stomach. The stomach is a sac-like organ which
continues the process of digestion that begins in the mouth. The
stomach produces fluid and acid to soften the food before it is
passed through to the intestines (bowels) where it is further
digested.
What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?
With this type of cancer you may experience:
Abdominal pain
Anaemia – which may result in shortness of breath,
palpitations, headaches and looking pale
Persistent indigestion
Nausea and vomiting
Weight loss
Poor appetite
If you have been finding it difficult to eat you may have lost
weight. If this is the case, you will be referred to a dietician
who will give you appropriate advice.
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What are the treatments?
Treatments for cancer of the stomach depend on the stage of the
disease and on your general health. Your case will be discussed
by a team of health care professionals (the multidisciplinary team
or MDT). Your doctor and nurse specialist will then discuss the
various options with you and will recommend the best treatment
for you.
There are three main forms of treatment which can be given
as a combination or single treatment method.
1. Surgery
2. Chemotherapy
3. Radiotherapy
Treatment aims may be curative whereby it is hoped the cancer
can be cured or Palliative treatments aims at controlling the
symptoms related to your cancer but will not be able to cure your
cancer.
1. Surgery
Surgery is a commonly used treatment. The type of operation
chosen will depend on the size and position of the tumour.
Surgery will be carried out at Leicester Royal Infirmary which is
a specialist treatment centre and all Northamptonshire patients
will be referred there.
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Partial gastrectomy: The part of the stomach that contains
cancer will be removed, as well as nearby lymph nodes. Parts
of other tissues and organs near the tumour, including your
spleen may also be removed. The spleen is an organ in the
upper abdomen that filters your blood and removes old blood
cells. It is possible to live a normal life without your spleen, but
you will need to take antibiotics for the rest of your life.
Total gastrectomy: Your entire stomach will be removed. It
may be necessary to remove other tissue near the tumour.
The spleen is removed in some cases. Nearby lymph nodes
may also be removed. The oesophagus is connected to the
small intestine so you can continue to swallow and eat.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is drug treatment used to destroy or control
cancerous cells. It can be given in tablet form, or by injection
into the bloodstream.
Chemotherapy may be given in combination with surgery. It
can be given before or after your surgery.
You may have your chemotherapy at Northampton General
Hospital or Kettering General Hospital depending on what
treatment has been recommended by your oncologist.
3. Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy (sometimes called x-ray therapy) is the use of
high energy radiation to kill diseased cells in the affected part
of the body. This form of treatment is rarely used in stomach
cancer.
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If you are suitable for radiotherapy you will receive this
treatment at Northampton General Hospital.
What support will be available for me?
Regardless of the treatment route you follow, there is a team of
professionals available to help, support and advise you and your
family.
These include:
Nursing staff, including a nurse specialist (Keyworker)and /
or a Macmillan nurse
Hospital doctors
Oncologists (doctors specialising in cancer)
General practitioners
Dieticians
Websites you might find useful:
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www.macmillan.org.uk
www.opa.org.uk
www.cancerresearchuk.org
www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer
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Contact Information
For further information or advice, please contact:
Upper GI Nurse Specialist
Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm
01536 492177
Acknowledgement to University Hospitals of Leicester
Patient Information Group
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If you need this information in another format or language,
please telephone 01536 492510.
Further information about the Trust is available on the
following websites:
KGH - www.kgh.nhs.uk | NHS Choices - www.nhs.uk
Ref: PI.104 June 2013
Review: March 2015