People suffering from pernicious anemia, a five year history of removal of the stomach or a history of chronic inflammatory changes in the wall of the stomach, are said to be at risk of stomach cancer. At present it is controversial as to whether these people should be regularly screened for the early appearance of stomach cancer. Confirmation of a suspected cancer of the stomach is obtained by the use of x-rays, Barium studies, examination of the stomach by mechanical means with a gastroscope, and examination of a biopsy specimen from a suspected tumour removed during this gastroscopic examination. Treatment for stomach cancer consists of surgical removal of the tumour plus partial or total removal of the stomach, chemotherapy both before and after surgery, removal of glands to which the cancer may have spread and sometimes removal of the spleen. Chest x-rays, liver function tests, ultrasound examination of the abdomen and CT scanning will help to determine any evidence of possible spread to liver, lungs and abdomen before surgical removal of the cancer is considered.
Early diagnosis is vital.