Stomach cancer is a common type of digestive system tumor, and understanding its development process and impact is crucial. As an important digestive organ, the stomach is responsible for grinding food and absorbing nutrients, while surrounding blood vessels and lymph nodes provide conditions for tumor development.
Stomach cancer usually begins in the gastric mucosa and may subsequently spread to nearby lymph nodes, eventually metastasizing to other organs. Surgical resection is the primary treatment method, and it is vital to clear the lymph nodes surrounding the stomach during the procedure. The postoperative pathology report will indicate whether the tumor has been completely removed and the adequacy of lymph node clearance.
Based on the tumor stage, doctors will assess the degree of invasion and lymphatic spread. Further examinations, such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans, can help determine if the tumor has metastasized. After surgery, patients may need to undergo chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy to control cancer progression.
Additionally, patients need to adjust their dietary habits. Although patients who undergo total gastrectomy can usually eat normally, it is recommended to adopt a small, frequent meal approach to avoid overeating, which aids in digestion and absorption.
