Stomach Cancer Prognosis – What does it all Mean?

The word Prognosis means the outcome. That is what is likely to happen.

As every case and patient is different the Stomach Cancer Prognosis for each person is going to be slightly different.

Stomach Cancer Prognosis, as with any other prognosis, is not an exact science; it is based on observations recorded in similar cases.

Certain criteria are taken into account when an individual’s Stomach Cancer Prognosis is being formulated. For example age, diet, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, etc.

Other factors also have to be consider is the formulation these include;-

• The location and type of cancer.
• Whether the cancer has spread (metastasized)
• General health of the patient.
• If the cancer has spread, how quickly has it spread?
• The growth rate (if any) of the cancer cells.
• The response to treatment.

It is important to remember that a positive attitude is a major factor in the treatment of all illnesses including cancers. Patients with a strong positive attitude fair better and have a stronger chance of recovery or remission than those with a negative attitude or out look towards the disease.

Many people find the more they know about their condition the easier it is to cope with. They have a good idea what to expect and can plan their life around the disease, instead of the disease dictating their life.

The Oncologist (the doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer) may use terms you are not familiar with when discussing your Stomach Cancer Prognosis. Don’t be afraid to ask what the words or phrases mean. It is important to build up a good relationship with the Oncologist and the other members of the medical team who are looking after you. These are the people who you need to trust to give you true and accurate information about your condition, treatment or any questions you might have.

Your Stomach Cancer Prognosis may well change during the course of the illness as treatments or medication take effect. This is normal and nothing to worry about. As the illness changes then it is only right that the prognosis is going to change. The Oncologist and medical staff should be monitoring your progress on a regular basis.

To help you here is a list of some of the more common words and phrases used when talking about a Stomach Cancer Prognosis.

• Carcinoma in situ – this means that the cancer has not spread out side of the inner lining of the stomach.
• The mucosa or gastric mucosa in this case refers to the mucus lining of the stomach.
• Submuscoa is a layer of loose connective tissue beneath the mucous membrane.
• Muscularis – is the muscular wall of the Gastro Intestinal tract.
• Metastasized – this is the term used to say that the cancer has spread from one area to another.
• Lymph nodes are found throughout the body forming an important part of the immune system.

Treatments will vary to some degree from patient to patient, as will any side effects to medication or treatment.