Stomach Cancer

Stomach Cancer

1. Clinical Manifestations

   • Often spreads before any major symptoms occur
   • unexplained weight loss, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, and signs and symptoms of anemia
   • Patient may report a sense of feeling full sooner than usual

2. Interprofessional Care

   • Treatment of choice is surgical removal of tumor
   • Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy
   • Surgical therapy: subtotal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy with esophagojejunostomy

3. Interventions

   • Health promotion and education for the patient and their family
   • Provide emotional, mental and physical support. Clarify answers to their questions, gather information they are wanting. Maintain positive attitude.
   • Maintain proper nutrition as best as possible for the patient
   • Manage pain appropriately
   • Monitor for any changes, intake, output, LOC

4. Pathophysiology

   • No Single causative agent has been identified
   • More than likely begins with nonspecific mucosal injury due to an infection, autoimmune related inflammation, tobacco use, or repeated exposure to irritants.

5. Nursing Diagnosis

   • Imbalance nutrition: less than body requirements related to inability to ingest, digest, or absorb nurtrients
   • Acute pain related to underlying disease process and side effects of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy
   • Anxiety and grieving related to diagnosis of cancer, uncertain future, and prognosis

6. Diagnostic Studies

   • Diagnostic Assessment: History and physical exam, endoscopy and biopsy, CT scan, PET scan, Upper GI Barium study, exfoliative cytologic study, endoscopic ultrasoundoscopy
   • UA, stool examination, liver enzymes, serum amylase, tumor markers, CEA, CA-19-9, CA-125, CA72-4, Fentoprotein.