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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. 2 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. 3 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. 4 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. 5 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: • • • • www.macmillan.org.uk www.opa.org.uk www.cancerresearchuk.org www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer 6 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 7 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