The Ultimate Guide to Stomach Cancer Treatment in the UAE
10 Jul, 2024
Healthtrip Team
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Symptoms of stomach cancer
a. Persistent Indigestion: If you often feel discomfort or pain in your stomach, especially after eating, and it doesn't seem to go away, it's worth paying attention to.
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b. Heartburn or Acid Reflux: While occasional heartburn is common, persistent acid reflux that doesn't respond to usual treatments might need further investigation.
c. Feeling Full Quickly: If you find yourself getting full much quicker than usual when eating, or if you experience unexplained weight loss, it could be a sign of stomach cancer.
d. Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying, especially if it's significant and happens fairly rapidly, can sometimes be a warning sign.
e. Persistent Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling nauseous or vomiting frequently, even without other signs of illness, should be checked out.
f. Bloating: Persistent bloating, especially if it's accompanied by discomfort or pain in the abdomen, might indicate a problem.
g. Blood in Stool or Vomit: Seeing blood in your stool or vomit can be alarming and should prompt immediate medical attention.
h. Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak, even if you're getting enough rest, can sometimes be associated with stomach cancer.
i. Difficulty Swallowing: If you find it increasingly hard to swallow, especially solid foods, it's important to get it checked by a doctor.
j. Anemia: Low red blood cell count (anaemia), which can cause symptoms like fatigue and weakness, may sometimes be linked to stomach cancer.
These symptoms can vary depending on the stage and location of the cancer. It's important to seek medical advice if any of these signs persist or worsen, as early detection and treatment can improve outcomes.'
Risk Factors
- Diet: High salt, smoked foods, and low fruit and vegetable consumption.
- Infections: Helicobacter pylori.
- Genes: Hereditary from a family history of stomach cancer.
- Lifestyles: Smoking and alcohol consumption. Medical conditions: for instance, pernicious anaemia and chronic gastritis.
Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer
Diagnosing stomach cancer involves several steps to accurately identify the presence and stage of the disease. Here’s a detailed look at the common diagnostic procedures:
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.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Administered after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Palliative Chemotherapy: Used in advanced stages to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
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.
- Established Year: 2013
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd - Al BarshaAl Barsha 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
About The Hospital:
- Total Number of Beds: 187
- ICU Beds: 21
- Operation Theatres: 7
- Number of Surgeons: 1
- Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, with Joint Commission International accreditation.
- Offers a wide range of health services with a focus on evidence-based medicine.
- Equipped with advanced technology.
- Highly equipped ambulance services accredited by DCAS (Dubai Cooperation for Ambulance Service) and RTA Level 5.
- Patient rooms are designed for maximum comfort, including luxurious VIP rooms with stunning views of Dubai's landmarks.
- Committed to providing world-class healthcare with exceptional hospitality.
- Al Zahra Hospital in Dubai offers a comprehensive range of medical treatments across various specialities, including aesthetic procedures, advanced therapies, surgery, cardiology, neurology, obstetrics, and more. With a skilled team and state-of-the-art facilities, the hospital provides top-quality healthcare services to meet diverse patient needs.
2. NMC Royal Hospital, Abu Dhabi
- Established Year: 1974
- Location: 16th St - Khalifa City SE-4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates
About The Hospital:
- NMC Royal Hospital is a premier healthcare facility in Abu Dhabi, equipped with advanced technology and staffed by medical professionals trained in global healthcare practices.
- It provides high-quality healthcare services to patients not only in the capital but also from across the UAE and GCC.
- Strategically located in Khalifa City, it serves the growing populations of various Abu Dhabi suburbs, including Al Raha, Mussafah, Mohammed bin Zayed City, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Shahama, and Yas Island.
- Total Number of Beds: 500
- ICU Beds: 53
- Number of Surgeons: 12
- The hospital features state-of-the-art critical care units, including a dedicated cardiac unit with round-the-clock intensivist cover.
- A team of over 90 doctors, including 32 consultants and 28 specialists, is primarily Western qualified, ensuring high medical standards.
- The medical program at NMC Royal Hospital focuses on Cardiac Sciences, Emergency Medicine & Critical Care, Mother and Child Health, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and Neuro Sciences.
- The hospital boasts advanced medical technology, including a hybrid operating theatre, a 3 Tesla MRI unit, a 256-slice CT scanner, and an automated laboratory system.
- It has 53 critical care beds and offers the region's first NICU and PICU combination in the private sector.
- NMC Royal Hospital specializes in providing comprehensive clinical care, including a detailed chronic disease management program.
- The hospital offers a wide range of medical specialities, including Oncology, Orthopedics, Cardiology, Nephrology & Urology, ENT, and GI & Bariatric.
- NMC Royal Hospital, Abu Dhabi, is committed to delivering exceptional healthcare services and is a prominent healthcare destination in the region.
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Hear from our satisfied patients
Treating stomach cancer in the UAE combines advanced medical treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy tailored to individual needs. Expert oncologists and multidisciplinary teams at leading hospitals ensure comprehensive care and support throughout the treatment journey. With a focus on personalized treatment plans and cutting-edge therapies, patients can achieve optimal outcomes and improved quality of life. Trust in the expertise of healthcare professionals in the UAE to guide you through every step of managing stomach cancer effectively.
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