The surgical approach in gastric cancer depends on the location, size, and locally invasive characteristics of the tumor.
While symptoms have no bearing upon the surgical approach to gastric cancer, most patients who present with gastric cancer and are candidates for surgery are most often not in the early stages of disease. Most symptoms of gastric cancer, including indigestion, nausea, dysphagia, and weight loss, reflect advanced disease, although some patients are diagnosed early. Late complications of gastric cancer, such as pathologic peritoneal and pleural effusions or intrahepatic jaundice caused by hepatomegaly, may make a patient ineligible for resection.
The goal of obtaining laboratory studies is to assist in determining optimal therapy. Similarly, imaging studies and biopsy aid in determining the extent and breadth of disease to provide a path for management.
Although stage of disease does not affect surgical approach in the earlier stages of gastric cancer, it is important to note that patients with locoregional disease as well as distant metastases or peritoneal seeding are not candidates for surgical resection.
Learn more about surgical care in the management of gastric cancer.
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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Elwyn C. Cabebe. Fast Five Quiz: Gastric Cancer Management - Medscape - Apr 06, 2022.
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