Adenocarcinoma Stomach Cancer: Types and Treatments

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects thousands of people each year. There are several different types of stomach cancer, each with its unique characteristics and treatment options.

In this blog post, we will explore the various types of stomach cancer and their respective treatments to help you better understand this disease and how it can be managed.

Adenocarcinoma Stomach Cancer

Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of stomach cancer, accounting for approximately 90-95% of all cases. This type of cancer originates in the glandular cells lining the stomach.

Adenocarcinoma stomach cancer can be further classified into intestinal-type and diffuse-type, each with its own distinct features and prognosis. Treatment options for adenocarcinoma stomach cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

• Surgery is often the primary treatment for early-stage adenocarcinoma stomach cancer, where the tumor is removed along with a portion of the surrounding tissue.
• Chemotherapy may be recommended before or after surgery to help shrink the tumor, kill any remaining cancer cells, or prevent the cancer from coming back.
• Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that specifically targets the cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells, offering a more precise and effective approach to treatment.

Lymphoma Stomach Cancer

Lymphoma stomach cancer is a rare type of stomach cancer that originates in the lymphatic tissue of the stomach. This type of cancer can be either primary (starting in the stomach) or secondary (spreading from other parts of the body).

Lymphoma stomach cancer is often treated with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the stage and location of the cancer.

• Chemotherapy is usually the first-line treatment for lymphoma stomach cancer, using powerful drugs to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Radiation therapy may be used to target and destroy cancer cells in specific areas of the stomach, often in combination with chemotherapy for a more comprehensive approach.
• Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that boosts the body's immune system to help fight cancer cells, offering a promising new option for some patients with lymphoma stomach cancer.

GIST Stomach Cancer

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a rare type of stomach cancer that originates in the connective tissue cells of the stomach.

GIST stomach cancer is often treated with surgery to remove the tumor, followed by targeted therapy with drugs that specifically target the cancer cells.

Some GIST stomach cancers may also require chemotherapy or radiation therapy, depending on the size and location of the tumor.

• Surgery is the primary treatment for GIST stomach cancer, aiming to remove the tumor and any surrounding tissue to prevent the cancer from spreading.
• Targeted therapy with drugs like imatinib (Gleevec) or sunitinib (Sutent) may be used to target specific molecules in the cancer cells, slowing down or stopping the growth of the tumor.
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be considered for GIST stomach cancer in certain cases, either before or after surgery to help improve outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Stomach Cancer Surgery Options

Surgery is a common treatment option for various types of stomach cancer, aiming to remove the tumor and any affected tissue to prevent the cancer from spreading.

The type of surgery recommended will depend on the location and stage of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient.

• Partial Gastrectomy: Removes the part of the stomach containing the tumor, preserving the rest of the stomach for normal digestive function.
• Total Gastrectomy: Removes the entire stomach, rerouting the digestive system to allow food to pass from the esophagus to the small intestine.
• Lymph Node Dissection: Removes nearby lymph nodes to check for cancer spread and prevent further metastasis.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Uses small incisions and specialized tools for less pain, quicker recovery, and reduced scarring compared to traditional open surgery.

Chemotherapy for Stomach Cancer

Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body, making it a common treatment option for various types of stomach cancer.

Chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor, after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, or as a palliative treatment to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

• Cisplatin
• Fluorouracil (5-FU)
• Capecitabine (Xeloda)
• Docetaxel (Taxotere)

In conclusion, stomach cancer encompasses various types, each with its unique characteristics and treatment options.

From adenocarcinoma and lymphoma to GIST stomach cancer, understanding the different types of stomach cancer and their respective treatments is crucial for making informed decisions about managing this disease.

Whether through surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of treatments, there are options available to help combat stomach cancer and improve outcomes for patients.

If you or a loved one are facing a diagnosis of stomach cancer, consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Stay informed, stay proactive, and remember that you are not alone in this journey.