Side Effects of Stomach Cancer Treatment
Stomach cancer treatment may damage healthy cells and tissues, which may lead to side effects. Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they may even change from one stomach cancer treatment session to the next. Side effects of surgery may include weight loss and dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome occurs when food or liquid enters the small intestine too fast, which can cause cramps, nausea, bloating,
diarrhea, and dizziness. Eating smaller meals can help prevent dumping syndrome.
Supportive Care and Stomach Cancer Treatment
Stomach cancer treatment can lead to other health problems. Supportive care may help patients prevent or control these problems and improve their comfort and quality of life during stomach cancer treatment. Supportive care is also known as symptom management or palliative care.
Common health problems associated with stomach cancer treatment include:
- Infections. If an infection develops, it can be serious and should be treated promptly. Patients may need to stay in the hospital for treatment.
- Anemia and bleeding. Patients may need transfusions of red blood cells to give them more energy. Platelet transfusions can help reduce the risk of serious bleeding.
- Dental problems such as mouth sensitivity, infection, and bleeding. Doctors often advise patients to have a complete dental exam and, if possible, undergo needed dental care before chemotherapy begins.
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