Gastrointestinal Cancer

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.

GI Cancer Treatment in Russia

Clinics

Russia has leading medical centers offering modern GI cancer treatment.

• European Clinic (Moscow) — a private cancer center offering minimally invasive surgeries, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy. A multidisciplinary team develops the treatment plan.

• N.N. Blokhin Center (Moscow) — the largest state cancer center. Complex surgical interventions are performed here, along with the latest treatment methods, including participation in international protocols.

• EMC (European Medical Center) — an international-level clinic offering immunotherapy, personalized approaches, and comfortable conditions for patients from Russia and abroad.

All three centers provide a full cycle — from diagnosis to post-treatment recovery.

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

MARUS Assistance

The MARUS platform 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.