Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer refers to malignant tumors developing in the organs of the digestive system: the stomach, intestines, esophagus, pancreas, and others. Stomach cancer is the most common form. This serious disease involves malignant cells growing in the mucous membrane of the organ and penetrating deeper layers, disrupting its functions and spreading to nearby tissues and lymph nodes. The disease progresses differently in each patient: in some, it develops slowly, while others face an aggressive form. Without treatment, GI cancer can lead to metastases and severe complications. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriately selected therapy play a key role.

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Symptoms depend on the stage of the disease and the tumor's location. In the early stages, the disease may be asymptomatic or manifest with mild signs.

Causes of Stomach Cancer

GI cancer develops under the influence of multiple factors. The main ones are:

Hereditary predisposition
Chronic stomach and intestinal diseases, including gastritis and ulcers
Infection with Helicobacter pylori
Harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol abuse
Poor diet, especially with a predominance of salty, smoked, and fried foods

Types of Stomach Cancer

Several types of GI cancer are distinguished based on tumor morphology and location. The most common forms are:

Adenocarcinoma (most frequent)
Gastric lymphoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Neuroendocrine tumors

Each type requires an individual approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer

To establish an accurate diagnosis, the doctor uses a set of methods:

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Biopsy and histological examination
Abdominal ultrasound
CT or MRI
Tumor marker tests

Modern clinics in Russia use precise imaging and molecular diagnostic techniques, allowing tumors to be detected at early stages.

Methods of Treating Stomach Cancer

Depending on the stage and the patient’s condition, doctors select the optimal therapy strategy. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted drugs.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is the primary method of fighting the tumor. The doctor may perform a partial or total gastrectomy, removing malignant tissues. For early-stage cancer, local intervention may suffice, while advanced stages require extended surgery with lymph node removal.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is administered both before and after surgery. It aims to destroy remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. The drugs are selected individually depending on the tumor type and sensitivity.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is used to reduce tumor size before surgery or as a palliative method in later stages. It destroys cancer cells using ionizing radiation.

Targeted Therapy

A modern method aimed at specific molecules involved in the malignant process. It allows for precise tumor targeting with minimal damage to healthy tissues.

Palliative Care

At advanced stages, when a cure is no longer possible, the patient may require palliative treatment. It aims to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and maintain body functions.

Stages of Stomach Cancer

The disease is classified by stages:

Stage 0 - carcinoma in situ, tumor limited to the mucous membrane
Stage I - submucosal layer involvement, no metastases
Stage II - lymph node involvement
Stage III - deep tumor invasion, multiple metastases
Stage IV - widespread process, distant metastases

Rehabilitation After Treatment

After surgery and chemotherapy, patients require recovery. Key rehabilitation measures include:

A special diet
Medical support
Monitoring for possible complications
Psychological assistance

Rehabilitation is carried out under medical supervision, often on an outpatient basis or in hospitals.

Prevention of Stomach Cancer

To reduce the risk of disease, it is important to:

Quit smoking and alcohol
Eat a balanced diet
Timely treat chronic gastritis and ulcers
Undergo regular check-ups, especially with hereditary predisposition

These simple measures can significantly lower the likelihood of developing GI tumors.

Cost

Treatment cost varies depending on the scope of intervention and technologies used. On average:

Initial oncologist consultation - from 100–150 USD
Diagnostics (CT, MRI, endoscopy, biopsy) - from 500 to 1500 USD
Surgical treatment - from 3000 to 7000 USD
Chemotherapy course - from 1000 to 3000 USD per cycle
Targeted or immunotherapy - from 2000 USD and above

Iratour Assistance

The Iratour helps patients with GI cancer access top clinics and doctors, choose effective treatment, arrange all documentation, and plan travel. We support the patient at every stage - from the first inquiry to the end of therapy and rehabilitation.

Care Assistants

We’re here not just to arrange treatment in Russia and Belarus - but to be with you every step of the way. At Iratour, a personal assistant who speaks your language will guide and support you - from your first consultation to your safe return home.