Stomach Cancer
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, occurs when malignant cells form in the lining of the stomach. This type of cancer can develop in any part of the stomach and may spread to other organs, including the esophagus, liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. Stomach cancer is often diagnosed at later stages due to the lack of early symptoms, making treatment more complex and crucial.
Treatment options for stomach cancer typically involve a combination of therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted drug therapy. The primary treatment method is surgery, especially in the early stages when the tumor can be removed entirely. Surgical options include partial or total gastrectomy, where a portion or the entire stomach is removed to prevent cancer from spreading. In more advanced cases, palliative treatments are administered to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
For patients who require more aggressive treatment, chemotherapy is often administered before or after surgery to shrink tumors and kill any remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy is also used to target and destroy cancer cells with high-energy beams. Targeted therapies, which use drugs to identify and attack specific cancer cells, are becoming an increasingly viable option, especially for patients with advanced-stage stomach cancer.
Procedure Duration
The duration of stomach cancer treatment can vary depending on the stage of the disease and the treatment approach. Surgical procedures, like gastrectomy, can last several hours, depending on the complexity and extent of the cancer. After surgery, patients typically remain in the hospital for one to two weeks for close monitoring and recovery. During this period, the patient’s ability to consume food and liquids will be carefully observed as the digestive system adapts to the changes.
Chemotherapy treatments, which can last between two to six months depending on the regimen, are often delivered in cycles. Each cycle lasts a few weeks, with a rest period between treatments to allow the body to recover. Radiation therapy, when included in the treatment plan, typically involves daily sessions over several weeks, with each session lasting 15 to 30 minutes.
Recovery from stomach cancer treatment varies by individual, but it typically spans several months. Patients recovering from surgery often experience a gradual return to normal eating habits, but significant dietary adjustments are required, especially if the stomach has been partially or fully removed. After chemotherapy and radiation therapy, side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and weakness are common, and these may persist for weeks or even months after treatment ends.
Benefits
- Increased survival rates: Early detection and comprehensive treatment significantly improve survival rates, particularly when surgery is possible.
- Targeted treatments: Advances in targeted therapies provide options for patients with specific genetic mutations, leading to better outcomes.
- Symptom relief: Palliative care options for advanced-stage stomach cancer offer relief from pain and other symptoms, enhancing the patient's quality of life.
- Comprehensive care: Combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation increases the chances of successful treatment by addressing the cancer from multiple angles.
- Improved quality of life post-treatment: Many patients who undergo treatment for early-stage stomach cancer can return to their daily activities, with necessary dietary adjustments.
Potential Destinations
- South Korea
South Korea is recognized for its advanced cancer treatment facilities and cutting-edge technology. Medical tourists choose this destination for its expertise in gastric cancer surgeries, advanced imaging technologies, and affordable costs compared to Western countries. Leading hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art surgical robots, making minimally invasive procedures more accessible and efficient.
- Japan
Japan has some of the best outcomes for stomach cancer treatment, largely due to its focus on early detection and highly skilled surgical teams. Medical tourists flock to Japan for its precision in gastrectomy and innovative treatment methods like endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), which can remove early-stage tumors without open surgery.
- Turkey
Turkey has emerged as a medical tourism hub, offering world-class cancer treatment facilities at a fraction of the cost in Europe and the United States. Patients benefit from highly trained oncology specialists and access to the latest cancer treatment technologies, such as advanced radiation therapies and personalized chemotherapy regimens.
- India
Known for its affordability and skilled medical professionals, India is a popular destination for stomach cancer treatment. Medical tourists benefit from comprehensive treatment plans that include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, all performed in internationally accredited hospitals.
- Germany
Germany is known for its high standards of medical care, particularly in oncology. Cancer treatment in Germany includes the latest advancements in surgical techniques and post-operative care, such as robotic surgeries and customized cancer care protocols, making it a preferred destination for complex cases of stomach cancer.
Risks & Considerations
- Post-surgery complications: Stomach cancer surgery, especially total gastrectomy, may result in complications such as infection, bleeding, or leakage at the surgical site.
- Nutritional challenges: After surgery, patients often struggle to maintain proper nutrition and may require lifelong dietary changes, including the use of supplements.
- Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation: These treatments can lead to significant side effects, including nausea, fatigue, and a weakened immune system, which can impact overall recovery.
- Recurrence of cancer: Despite aggressive treatment, there is always a risk that stomach cancer may return, especially in advanced stages.
- Long recovery period: Recovery from stomach cancer surgery and treatment can take several months, and patients may need ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation to regain strength.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When selecting a doctor and hospital for stomach cancer treatment, it is essential to look for a healthcare provider with specialized expertise in gastrointestinal oncology. Look for facilities that have experience in treating stomach cancer using advanced techniques like minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, and targeted therapies. Patients should also ensure that the hospital has a dedicated oncology team, including surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, who work together to provide comprehensive care.
It is advisable to choose hospitals that are internationally accredited and adhere to global standards of patient care. A hospital's reputation for successful outcomes in stomach cancer treatment, as well as the availability of post-surgical rehabilitation and nutrition management services, should also be key factors in your decision. Consulting with multiple specialists and reviewing patient reviews can further guide you in making an informed choice.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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