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1. Medical History and Physical Exam

The process starts with your doctor asking about your medical history and any symptoms you’ve been experiencing. They’ll ask questions about your eating habits, family history of cancer, and any previous medical issues. A physical exam will follow, where the doctor checks for any signs of stomach cancer, such as lumps or tenderness in your abdomen.

2. Endoscopy

One of the key tests for diagnosing stomach cancer is an upper endoscopy. During this procedure, you’ll be sedated, and a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) will be inserted through your mouth and down into your stomach. This lets the doctor visually inspect the lining of your stomach and take pictures. If they see any suspicious areas, they can take small tissue samples (biopsies) for further analysis.

3. Biopsy

The biopsy is a crucial step. The tissue samples taken during the endoscopy are examined under a microscope by a pathologist to check for cancer cells. This analysis can confirm whether or not you have stomach cancer and help determine the type and aggressiveness of the cancer.

4. Imaging Tests

Imaging tests provide detailed pictures of your stomach and help assess whether the cancer has spread. Common imaging tests include:

• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): This scan uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of your body. It helps to see if the cancer has spread to other organs.
• PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): For this test, a small amount of radioactive sugar is injected into your body. Cancer cells absorb the sugar more than normal cells do, making them light up on the scan.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the stomach and surrounding tissues.

5. Blood Tests

Blood tests can provide additional information. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) might show if you have anaemia, which can sometimes be linked to stomach cancer. Other blood tests might check for tumor markers, substances that can be higher in people with certain types of cancer.

6. Barium Swallow

A barium swallow is a type of X-ray test. You’ll drink a liquid containing barium, which coats the lining of your stomach. This makes it easier to see abnormalities on X-rays. It helps the doctor see the shape and contour of your stomach and can highlight any irregularities.

7. Laparoscopy

In some cases, a laparoscopy might be necessary. This is a minimally invasive surgery where small incisions are made in your abdomen, and a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is inserted. This allows the doctor to get a close look at your stomach and nearby organs. It’s particularly useful for determining if cancer has spread within the abdomen.

8. Genetic Testing

For some patients, especially those with a family history of stomach cancer or other cancers, genetic testing might be recommended. This can help identify inherited genetic mutations that increase the risk of stomach cancer, which can be important for treatment planning and for informing family members about their own risk.

By combining these diagnostic methods, doctors can get a comprehensive view of the presence, type, and stage of stomach cancer. This information is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. If you have any concerns or symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor promptly to begin this diagnostic process.

Treatment Options for Stomach Cancer in the UAE

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a serious condition that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment in the UAE. Treatment options typically encompass a range of strategies aimed at effectively managing the disease and improving patient outcomes.

a. Surgery: Surgical intervention is often the cornerstone of treatment for stomach cancer. The type of surgery recommended depends on several factors, including the location and stage of the cancer. Common surgical procedures include:

• Gastrectomy: This involves the partial or total removal of the stomach affected by cancer. The extent of gastrectomy varies depending on the tumour size and its spread. Surgeons strive to remove all cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy stomach tissue as possible.

b. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy utilizes powerful medications to destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth. It plays a crucial role in treating stomach cancer and is administered in different ways:

• Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Given before surgery to shrink tumours and make them easier to remove.

Chemotherapy drugs are selected based on the specific characteristics of the cancer and the patient's overall health.

c. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other particles to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to:

• Shrink tumours before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy).
• Eliminate remaining cancer cells after surgery (adjuvant therapy).
• Control symptoms and improve quality of life in cases where surgery is not an option.

Radiation therapy is carefully planned to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue while effectively targeting cancerous cells.

In addition to these primary treatment modalities, advanced therapies like targeted therapy and immunotherapy may also be considered for certain types of stomach cancer:

d. Targeted Therapy: Targets specific molecules or pathways involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. It can be used when cancer cells have specific genetic mutations or overexpress certain proteins.

e. Immunotherapy: Boosts the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, particularly for advanced stages of stomach cancer.

Treatment plans for stomach cancer in the UAE are personalized based on individual patient factors such as the stage of cancer, overall health, and treatment goals.  For individuals diagnosed with stomach cancer in the UAE, timely consultation with oncologists and specialists is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment strategy. By leveraging these advanced treatment options, patients can achieve improved outcomes and quality of life.

Leading Hospitals in the UAE for Stomach Cancer Treatment:

1. Al Zahra Hospital, Dubai