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Stomach cancer

Oncology

Stomach Cancer: Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview
Stomach cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. In Korea, it ranked as the most frequently diagnosed cancer in 2020, highlighting its significant impact on public health. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial for improving survival rates.

Diagnosis
The most accurate and widely used diagnostic methods include:

  • EFGDS (Gastroscopy) – The gold standard for diagnosing stomach cancer. This procedure allows for direct visualization of the stomach lining and collection of biopsy samples for histological examination, which is essential for confirming cancer.

  • Upper GI X-ray – A screening method that is less invasive but does not allow for biopsy collection.

  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) – Determines tumor depth and local lymph node involvement.

  • CT Scan & Abdominal Ultrasound – Used to assess the tumor stage and presence of metastases.

  • PET-CT / MRI – Performed in selected cases to detect distant metastases.

Treatment
The preferred treatment approach is surgery whenever possible, depending on the tumor location, size, and spread.

  • Early-stage treatment (tumor invasion ≤ 2 cm into the mucosa and submucosa):Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) – A minimally invasive procedure for removing early-stage tumors.
    Partial Stomach Resection – Includes methods such as preserving the pyloric valve or vagus nerve, and proximal gastric resection for select cases.

  • Stage 2 & 3 treatment:Radical Gastrectomy – Surgical removal of the stomach (partial or total), including lymph node dissection to prevent metastasis.
    Postoperative Chemotherapy – Administered to reduce the risk of recurrence and improve long-term survival.

  • Advanced-stage treatment (Stage 4 or metastatic cases):Palliative Chemotherapy – Aims to prolong life and alleviate symptoms when surgical removal is no longer an option.

Types of Surgery Based on Tumor Location:

  • Lower stomach tumors → Partial Gastrectomy (removal of 2/3 of the stomach).

  • Upper stomach tumors → Total Gastrectomy (complete removal of the stomach).

Cost of Diagnosis & Treatment:

  • 25,000,000 – 30,000,000 KRW (Abdominal Surgery)

  • 11,000,000 – 13,000,000 KRW (Endoscopic Surgery)

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