nursing care for gastric cancer

what is gastric cancer?

Content is medically reviewed by:

Dr. Udaya Kumar Maiya (MBBS, MD, DNB(RT), DCCF (Paris), Medical Director, Portea.

Gastric cancer definition described it as stomach cancer which is clinically diagnosed as the growth of cancerous cells in the inner lining of the stomach. A gastric cancer diagnosis is difficult during its early stages since symptoms are not revealed easily. People develop this medical condition through metastasis, and common gastric cancer causes are linked to structural changes in the person’s DNA which leads to uncontrollable division and multiplication of cancerous cells. Common gastric cancer symptoms in patients are heartburn, trapped wind, vomiting, bloating after meal times, recurrent burping, feeling full during meals, and difficulty swallowing.

types of gastric cancer:

There are different gastric cancer types diagnosed in patients. They are:

• Lymphoma – Cancer originating from the immune system and branching off to the stomach through lymph tissues.
• Carcinoid Tumors – Starts from hormone-producing cells in the stomach and does not spread to other nearby organs.
• Gastrointestinal tumours – A rare type of stomach cancer which originates from a special cell located in the lining of the stomach known as Cajal (ICCs).
• Adenocarcinomas – The most common type of gastric cancer diagnosed in patients and starts from the innermost lining of the stomach.

what are some of the gastric cancer causes?

Some of the gastric cancer causes in patients are:

• Smoking – Consuming too much tobacco or taking many cigarettes a day
• Poor Nutrition – A diet that is typically low in fruits and vegetables is known to be linked with a higher incidence of gastric cancer symptoms in patients. Diets high in smoked and salted foods contribute to gastric cancer as well.
• Obesity – Although not directly linked, obesity has been shown to increase the risk of developing gastric cancer.
• Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD) – This is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the -stomach through the oesophagus.

diagnosis of gastric cancer

A gastric cancer diagnosis is done in the following ways:

• Upper Endoscopy – A tube with a tiny camera is passed through your oesophagus into your stomach. Your doctor examines gastric cancer stages and symptoms through this.
• Imaging Tests – CT (Computerised Tomography) scans and special X-ray scans known as barium swallow render detailed images of stomach structures and are some of the most common gastric cancer tests for diagnosis.

gastric cancer treatment

Based on the stages of gastric cancer and your gastric cancer screening tests, your doctor may recommend the following gastric cancer treatment protocols to you:

• Surgery:  Surgery involves removing affected sections of the stomach or removing it fully. Lymph nodes in your abdomen may be removed if the gastric cancer causes are linked to metastatic spreading in your body.
• Radiation Therapy:  X-rays and proton radiations are used to kill cancer cells in the stomach. You lie on a table, and a high-powered beam travels through your stomach to shrink tumours before surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy shrinks tumours through the use of specific drugs and medications. These may be administered orally, intravenously or taken in the form of capsules or pills.
• Targeted Drug Therapy:  This is used for treating rare types of gastric cancer and is used in conjunction with immunotherapytreatment.

when do you need us?

Palliative care is implemented ingastric cancer care at home and caters to patients who seek psychological and nutritional support. Adjusting to lifestyle changes are made easier as our team of doctors, and nurses for gastric cancer tend to your needs from the comfort of your home by providing nursing and medical therapy services.

how can we help

A diagnostic test is done during your first meeting with us, and after assessment, a gastric cancer home treatment plan is designed. Based on your gastric cancer stages and diagnosis, you may be recommended to go for surgery if cancer has progressed significantly. Our healthcare professionals will ensure you receive state-of-the-art gastric cancer treatment at home and supplement your recovery with the necessary psychological and emotional support as well.

Summary  

Gastric cancer care at home is made possible with our team of esteemed medical professionals and preparing for surgery becomes less debilitating with proper palliative care. Patients will be expected to adjust to some diet and lifestyle changes with their in-home gastric cancer care once they undergo surgery and related medical therapies.