Stomach Cancer Recurrence
Detecting stomach cancer recurrence early can drastically improve a patient’s chances of beating it, which is why it’s important to continue screening and monitoring, even after treatment has been completed and cancerous cells have gone into remission. This screening process will involve regular check-ups that follow a pre-determined schedule. Should cancerous cells reappear in the stomach, or anywhere else in the body, early detection will allow physicians to provide treatment early for maximum effectiveness.
Stomach cancer recurrence can typically be categorized into three different types:
- Local recurrence – when cancerous cells reappear in the same area as the original tumor
- Regional recurrence – when cancerous cells come back in an area that’s near the original tumor site, such as nearby lymph nodes
- Distant recurrence – when cancerous cells emerge in another, distant part of the body, away from the location of the original tumor (typically the lungs, liver, bone marrow or brain)
A physician may suggest certain lifestyle changes to help reduce the chances of a stomach cancer recurrence. Some of these changes may include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a well-balanced diet and refraining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Moderate physical activity may also be recommended to help the patient regain strength and energy during the recovery process.
If stomach cancer does recur, Moffitt Cancer Center offers some of the most effective treatment options available today. Within our Gastrointestinal Oncology Program, a multispecialty team will work with you to explain your condition, review treatment options and create an individualized treatment plan to address your stomach cancer recurrence and manage its side effects. Because of our designation as a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center, our survival rates that consistently exceed national averages and our focus on improving patients’ quality of life, Moffitt is highly sought after for the treatment of stomach cancer.
To schedule an appointment at Moffitt Cancer Center, complete our online registration form or call 1-888-663-3488. No referral is necessary to meet with our expert oncologists specializing in stomach cancer.