Stomach Cancer

1. What is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, develops when abnormal cells in the stomach grow uncontrollably. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type, although other forms of stomach cancer can occur.

2. What are the symptoms of Stomach Cancer?

Possible symptoms include persistent indigestion, upper abdominal discomfort or pain, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, nausea, vomiting, early fullness after eating, difficulty swallowing, anemia, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Early stomach cancer may cause few or no symptoms.

3. How is Stomach Cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis commonly involves upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy. CT scans and other imaging are used to assess the extent of disease. PET-CT, endoscopic ultrasound, diagnostic laparoscopy, and additional molecular testing may be recommended in selected patients.

4. How is the stage determined?

Staging assesses how deeply the tumour has invaded the stomach wall, whether nearby lymph nodes are involved, and whether the cancer has spread to distant organs. Accurate staging helps determine whether treatment should be surgical, systemic, or combined.

5. What are the surgical treatment options?

Depending on tumour location and extent, surgery may involve partial (subtotal) gastrectomy or total gastrectomy, usually with removal of regional lymph nodes. Reconstruction is performed to restore continuity of the digestive tract.

6. What is the role of chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy may be given before and/or after surgery in potentially curable disease. In advanced stomach cancer, systemic therapy may be used to control disease, relieve symptoms, and prolong survival.

7. What is the role of targeted therapy and immunotherapy?

Treatment may be guided by biomarkers such as HER2, PD-L1, MSI/MMR, and other molecular characteristics. Patients whose tumours have relevant biomarkers may be candidates for targeted medicines or immunotherapy.

8. What are the expected outcomes?

Outcomes depend strongly on the stage, tumour biology, overall health, and response to treatment. Earlier-stage stomach cancer generally has a better chance of curative treatment, while advanced disease often requires longer-term systemic management.

9. Why consider Stomach Cancer Treatment in India?

India has experienced surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists, multidisciplinary cancer centres, advanced diagnostic facilities, modern minimally invasive and open gastric surgery, and comparatively affordable treatment costs for international patients.

10. How can Medavelle help?

Medavelle can facilitate preliminary review of endoscopy and biopsy reports, CT/PET-CT scans, molecular testing, and previous treatment records, connect patients with an appropriate gastrointestinal oncology team, coordinate multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment, obtain an individualized cost estimate, and assist with travel, accommodation, hospital coordination, and treatment planning in India.