GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER: STOMACH AND LIVER CANCER

Cancer of the stomach often causes symptoms of decreased appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, and anemia, symptoms similar to those of an ulcer. However, the abnormalities do not respond easily to the kinds of treatment that improve ulcer disease. There may be weight loss and uncontrollable vomiting. The diagnosis is usually made with a barium swallow and confirmed through a gastroscopy.

The treatment is primarily surgical, to remove the diseased stomach and to discover whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen and liver. If the tumor cannot be removed, a bypass operation can be done. Until a few years ago the expectations for survival were poor. However, advances in chemotherapy have improved the odds. Many older people have had fair to good responses to chemotherapy after surgery.

Cancer of the liver is common, unfortunately. It can arise in the liver itself, especially in people who suffer from cirrhosis as a result of alcohol abuse or other chronic liver diseases. Most often, however, liver cancer has spread from another source, usually within the abdomen. This is referred to as metastatic carcinoma of the liver. In most instances, when cancer has spread to the liver, it usually means the disease is quite advanced, and treatment is directed to give comfort and relieve pain. Chemotherapy has only a limited effect, although certain forms of cancer may respond better than others. Each situation is different. Even though there is no treatment to significantly increase the life expectancy of someone with liver cancer, medications can improve symptoms and decrease discomfort.

*194\166\2*

Related Posts:

• SKIN INFECTIONS
• HYPOTHYROIDISM
• EYE DISORDERS: DIABETES MELLITUS AND VISION PROBLEMS
• HOW IS AIDS DIAGNOSED?
• THE VIRILITY SOLUTION: THE BRITISH CONNECTION
• THE VIRILITY SOLUTION: AND THERE WAS ALWAYS ALCOHOL