Stomach cancer or gastric cancer develops in the inner lining of the stomach. It is a relatively common cancer, with an estimated 1 million new cases diagnosed worldwide each year. American Cancer Society states that the lifetime risk of developing stomach cancer is higher in men (about 1 in 96) than in women (about 1 in 152).
Platforms like Medditour connect the patients requiring treatments for gastric cancer with global hospitals and facilitators so as to help them get quality treatments at affordable prices with no delay in time.
In this article, we will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of stomach cancer, as well as how medical tourism can help patients receive treatment.
Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer
Diagnosis of stomach cancer usually involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Patients with symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss may be evaluated for stomach cancer.
Diagnostic tests used to diagnose stomach cancer include endoscopy, imaging studies, and biopsy. During an endoscopy, a long, thin tube with a camera on the end is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach. This allows the doctor to see the inside of the stomach and take samples of tissue for biopsy.
Imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide detailed images of the stomach and surrounding organs, helping to determine the extent and location of the cancer.
Biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from the stomach and examining it under a microscope to check for cancerous cells.
Treatment of Stomach Cancer
The treatment of stomach cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the location of the cancer, and the overall health of the patient. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or sometimes even a combination of these treatments is given.
Surgery is the most common treatment for stomach cancer, and involves removing part or all of the stomach. Surgery is most effective when the cancer is detected early, before it has spread to other organs.
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery to shrink the tumor and prevent the cancer from spreading. Chemotherapy may also be used as the primary treatment for advanced or metastatic stomach cancer.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation that focuses on the cancer cells and kills them. It is used in making the tumor shrink before the surgery or used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Cancer.Net states that if the cancer is diagnosed and treated before it has spread outside the stomach, the 5-year survival rate is 70%.
Medical Tourism and Stomach Cancer
Medical tourism can offer patients with stomach cancer access to high-quality medical care and treatment at a lower cost. Popular medical tourism destinations like India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, and Turkey, have advanced medical facilities and experienced healthcare professionals to treat stomach and other types of cancer.
In addition, medical tourism can provide patients with access to specialized treatments and procedures that may not be available in their home country. For example, some medical tourism providers offer advanced radiation therapy or targeted drug therapies that may not be widely available in other countries.
Medical tourism can also provide patients with a supportive and comfortable environment to receive treatment. Many medical tourism providers offer packages that include transportation, lodging, and other support services, such as translation and assistance with medical appointments.
Medical tourism companies like Medditour provide opportunities for the patients to combine their treatments with vacation at the exotic medical tourism destinations, so as to enable comfortable treatments combined with sweet memories.
In conclusion, stomach cancer is a serious disease that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, depending on the stage and location of the cancer. Medical tourism can offer patients with stomach cancer access to high-quality medical care and treatment at a lower cost.