Stomach cancer treatment

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of stomach (gastric) or abdominal cancer in which malignant (cancer) cells grow in the lining of the stomach. It is usually associated with previous asbestos exposure.

You have a number of treatment options for stomach cancer treatment. But talk with your doctor about a prognosis—how you should be treated will depend in part on your overall state of health and how far the cancer has progressed.

Your doctor may use any of the following to determine a diagnosis and a treatment regimen:

• Physical exam and history
• Blood chemistry studies
• Complete blood count (CBC) which measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood
• Upper endoscopy (an examination with a lighted tube inserted to look for abnormal signs inside your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine)

Traditional treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Other options include pleurodesis treatment, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, as well as alternative treatments.

Stage 4 stomach cancer
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive form of stomach cancer. The earlier it is found, the better your chances of extending your life. Unfortunately, because symptoms in the early stages are so mild and so similar to other conditions, it is often not until stage 3 or stage 4 when stomach cancer is diagnosed.

At such late stages, treatment for stomach cancer will be focused on relieving pain and other symptoms. If you are in this situation, consider participating in one of the clinical trials that researchers conduct to test new medicines and new approaches. You can search the National Cancer Institute website for information about clinical trials that are currently accepting participants.

Signs of stomach cancer
Signs of stomach cancer can seem much like many other, less dangerous conditions. Early stages might be marked by the following:

• indigestion
• abdominal discomfort or pain
  
• bloating after meals
  
• mild nausea
• less interest in eating
  
• heartburn

Once stomach cancer has reached advanced stages, you may experience some of the following signs:

• bloody stools
  
• nausea and vomiting
  
• losing weight without trying
  
• abdominal pain
• jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin)
• ascites fluid (fluid builds up in the abdomen)
• difficulty swallowing

Causes of stomach cancer are unknown. It is usually classified as an adenocarcinoma (a tumor on the lining of an organ, in this case the stomach). The rate at which people exposed to asbestos develop peritoneal mesothelioma is low (pleural mesothelioma is more common), but the disease is a killer. Learn more about what types of treatments doctors recommend, including chemotherapy and radiation.