How to Know the Stages of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also referred to as gastric cancer, occurs when stomach cells become malignant, forming a tumor. Stomach cancer, if it is allowed to go unchecked, may spread to other organs and systems throughout the body. Doctors use a system of letters and numbers to indicate how far stomach cancer has progressed in a patient. These are referred to as the stages of stomach cancer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet connection
• Oncologist

1. Know that the majority of stomach cancers begin in the glandular tissue that lines the stomach. These cancerous cells may then grow along the wall of the stomach or through it, sending cancer cells into the bloodstream or lymphatic system. The cancer cells may then attack other organs in the body.
2. Understand that stomach cancer is staged using two systems, the TNM system which describes the state of the tumor, the lymph nodes and metastasis, and a Roman numeral system describing the extent to which the cancer has spread.
3. Learn that each part of the TNM system has multiple stages, expressed with the letter and a number. For example, a diagnosis of T3 would indicate a tumor which has progressed to perforate the serosa but hasn't invaded an adjacent organ.
4. Know that the lower the staging group, when expressed in Roman numerals, the less severe the case of stomach cancer. For example, Stage 0: Tis, N0, M0 refers to cancer in its earliest stages. There has been no growth beyond the stomach lining. This stage is also commonly referred to as carcinoma in situ.
5. Understand that survival rate statistics, as reported by the American Cancer Society, decrease as the staging number increases.
6. Follow up on your stomach cancer diagnosis with a second opinion if you feel there might be a better course of treatment for your particular diagnosis. For instance, some doctors may offer you the option of biological treatment, while others might suggest a more standard course of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
7. Expect lifestyle changes to be more extreme if you are diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 stomach cancer and
   must have a full gastrectomy. Most specifically, your eating habits will have to change and you will need to follow a doctor-recommended diet.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor to put your diagnosis in writing. With this information, you will be able to learn more about your prognosis and be able to accurately describe it to another physician should you choose to seek a second opinion.
• Know that you have a right to request complete copies of all of your medical records.
• Coping with the possibility of a positive stomach cancer diagnosis may cause you to feel a multitude of emotions. Communicate openly about how you are feeling with your doctor as this information may assist him or her in offering you complementary mental health assistance. This could take the form of anti-depressants or counseling.