Get the Best Stomach Cancer Treatment at GEM Hospital

What is Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer?

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a collective term for a group of cancers of the digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine, colon, and rectum. Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is of concern because it can go undetected until it has progressed to an advanced stage. Stomach cancer begins when the stomach's lining cells undergo abnormal changes, resulting in fast-growing tumor cells. The stomach is a vital organ, responsible for digestion and absorbing nutrients. It lacks any major symptoms (that are often confused with other digestive issues), making it difficult for an early stage diagnosis. Treating stomach cancer in Coimbatore is an all-round process, which includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and supportive care (pain management). The earlier stomach cancer is detected and treated with expert diagnosis, the better the overall outcomes and quality of life.

Causes of Stomach Cancer

Understanding the risk factors of gastric cancer is essential for prevention and early detection.

Environmental Triggers:

• Helicobacter pylori Infection: Helicobacter pylori is a bacterial infection that can cause chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) with stomach cancer.

• Smoking: Smoking is linked to stomach cancers (and can also make stomach cancer more lethal if there is a diagnosis). Smoking can cause not only damage to the stomach lining, it can also predispose people to cancers if it causes chronic changes to the acid balance.

• Unhealthy Diet: AHigh intake of salted, smoked, and preserved foods, with a low intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, can alter normal stomach behaviours leading to the initiation of stomach cancer.

• Obesity: can be associated with greater esophageal and stomach reflux, with subsequent inflammation, which may increase risk of upper GI cancers.

Genetic & Medical Factors:

• Family History: If you have a close relative diagnosed with stomach cancer, your risk increases.

• Previous Stomach Surgery or Polyps: Prior medical issues in the stomach may raise cancer risk.

• Certain Genetic Syndromes: Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and others are known to predispose individuals to GI cancers.

Stomach Cancer Symptoms

Early stomach cancer symptoms are often vague and easily overlooked. Recognizing these signs can lead to quicker diagnosis and intervention.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

• Unexplained weight loss

• Nausea, vomiting, or bloating after meals

• Blood in stool or black tarry stools

• Loss of appetite or early satiety

• Fatigue and anemia

• Indigestion or heartburn that doesn’t go away

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially in combination, consult a stomach cancer specialist in Coimbatore for early screening and evaluation.

Stomach Cancer Diagnosis at GEM Hospital Coimbatore

GEM Hospital has the latest diagnostic technology to detect GI cancers accurately. Our gastroenterologists and oncologists are trained in early detection and staging.

Diagnostic Tools:

• Endoscopy with Biopsy: We are able to see inside the stomach lining and get a small sample of the tissue.

• CT and MRI Scans: This scan is used to determine the size of the tumor, if there is lymph node involvement, and if the cancer has spread to other organs.

• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): This imaging tool gives us very detailed images of the stomach wall and nearby structures.

• PET Scan: Identifies and shows the presence of metabolically active cancer cells in the entire body.

• Tumor Marker Tests: If the patient has a diagnosis of cancer, these will be monitored for disease progression and recurrence.

• Genetic Testing: This type of testing will find hereditary cancer syndromes and help guide personalized treatment.

Stomach Cancer Stages

Stomach cancer is classified using the TNM system and is based on three factors; tumor size(T), lymph node (N) spread, and metastatic spread(M).

Key Stages:

• Stage 0: ABNORMAL cells only in stomach lining (carcinoma in situ)

• Stage I: Tumor only in inner stomach layers (no spread to lymph nodes)

• Stage II: Tumor has spread to deeper layers and nearby lymph nodes

• Stage III: Multiple lymph node involvement or nearby organ involvement

• Stage IV: Spread to random organs, such as liver, lungs, or peritoneum

Understanding the stage of disease helps determine potentially effective stomach cancer treatments in Coimbatore, including eligibility for surgery, chemotherapy, and/or multimodal therapies.

Treatment Options for Stomach Cancer

GEM Hospital specializes in providing world-class stomach cancer treatment in Coimbatore, integrating surgical approaches with excellent medical oncology treatment.

Multimodal Treatment Approaches:

• Surgery: Partial or total gastrectomy (with lymph node dissection) for localized cancers.

• Chemotherapy: for preoperative, postoperative, and/or palliative treatment for advanced-stage cancers.

• Radiation Therapy: a highly effective adjunct to chemotherapy in the management of stomach cancer, either to shrink tumors or relieve symptoms.

• Targeted Therapy: HER2 targeted treatments (e.g. trastuzumab) available for select patients.

• Immunotherapy: currently has great potential for certain advanced-stage cancers where biomarkers are present.

• Palliative Care: aiming to relieve symptoms, nutrition, and overall quality of life.

Surgical Excellence at GEM Hospital

Surgery is the most common form of treatment for stomach cancer. The gastrointestinal surgeons in Coimbatore at GEM Hospital have a wealth of experience with minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical procedures.

Surgical Procedures:

• Subtotal Gastrectomy: lower portion of stomach

• Total Gastrectomy: completely removal of stomach when widespread tumors are seen

• Lymphadenectomy: key in staging and reducing likelihood of recurrence

• Reconstruction Techniques: facilitate continued digestive function after surgery

GEM Hospital specializes in minimally invasive stomach cancer surgeries, ensuring faster recovery, less pain, and better outcomes.

Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

Chemotherapy:

• Neoadjuvant: Shrinks the tumor before surgery

• Adjuvant: Destroys remaining cells post-surgery

• Palliative: Controls symptoms and prolongs life in advanced stages

Common drug combinations include FLOT, ECF, and CAPOX. Side effects are carefully managed with supportive medications.

Radiation Therapy:

GEM offers precision radiation techniques such as:

• 3D-CRT

• IMRT

• SBRT

• IGRT

These help target cancer cells while protecting surrounding healthy tissues.

Support Services at GEM Hospital

Facing GI cancer involves more than just clinical treatment. We support patients and families every step of the way:

• Oncology Counseling

• Dietary Planning for GI Health

• Post-surgical Care and Rehab

• Pain and Symptom Management

• Peer Support Groups

Why Choose GEM Hospital for Stomach Cancer Treatment in Coimbatore?

• Experienced Team: Our surgical gastroenterologists & GI oncologists have a strong national reputation

• Advanced Infrastructure: Robotic surgeries, endoscopic suites, outpatient chemotherapy and radiation

• Patient-Centric Approach: We will care for the entire patient including their emotional support while we communicate with you

• Multispecialty Coordination: Our GI surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, dietitians, and counselors will work as a team to care for you

If you or someone you care about is experiencing GI cancer symptoms, early diagnosis and expert care can save lives. Take control today.

Book your consultation with GEM Hospital the trusted name for stomach cancer treatment in Coimbatore.