Treatment:

Surgical removal of the stomach (gastrectomy) is the only curative treatment. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be beneficial. A recent study showed that for many patients, chemotherapy and radiation therapy given after surgery improve the chance of a cure.

For patients in whom surgery is not an option, chemotherapy or radiation can improve symptoms. For some patients, a surgical bypass procedure may provide relief of symptoms.

Support Groups:

The stress of illness may often be eased by joining a support group with members who share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group and gastrointestinal disorders - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

There is a wide variation in prognosis of gastric tumors. Tumors in the lower stomach are more often cured than those in the higher area -- gastric cardia or gastroesophageal junction. The depth to which the tumor invades the stomach wall and whether lymph nodes are involved influence the chances of cure.

In circumstances in which the tumor has spread outside of the stomach, cure is not possible and treatment is directed toward improvement of symptoms.

Complications:

• Cancer spreading (metastasizing) to other organs or tissues
• Weight loss
• Fluid accumulation in the belly (ascites)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of gastric cancer develop.