SPECIALTIES

Stomach and Gastric Cancer Treatment

Cutting Edge Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery for Gastric and Stomach Cancers

Joshua Ellenhorn, MD, FACS, is a nationally renowned general surgeon and surgical oncologist specializing in the treatment of stomach cancers also known as gastric cancers. He is known for his innovative approach to treating these conditions and has been a trailblazer in the use of minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques for abdominal surgeries. Treatment options vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer but may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial for improving the prognosis and survival rates of patients with abdominal cancers.

Areas of Expertise

Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer which is also known as stomach cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Gastric cancer occurs within the stomach. The stomach is the first part of the intestine beginning at the end of the esophagus(swallowing passage) and ending in the duodenum( first part of the small intestine). The symptoms of gastric cancer can include intestinal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, a feeling of getting full after eating a small meal and upper abdominal pain. Gastric cancer begins growing in the inner lining of the stomach and over time can spread to lymph glands in the area and to other organs and the surfaces of other structures in the abdomen. The diagnosis of gastric cancer is usually made by upper GI endoscopy with biopsies. Staging studies include endoscopic ultrasound which is a specialized endoscopy test that can determine how thick the tumor is within the stomach and whether it involves lymph nodes. CT scan is helpful to determine whether there has been spread beyond the stomach. Treatment for gastric cancer involves surgery to remove the area of the stomach involved with the tumor along with removal of the lymph nodes in the area. These operations can usually be performed with robotic surgery minimizing incisions, scarring and speeding recovery. If the tumor is particularly thick or involves lymph nodes at the time of diagnosis chemotherapy is used prior to surgery. Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to improve upon the results of surgery. As with other tumors, the prognosis of gastric cancer depends on the stage of the tumor.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)

GIST stands for gastrointestinal stromal cell tumor. These relatively rare tumors beginning within the wall of the intestine and can involve any portion of the intestinal tract from the esophagus (swallowing passage) to the rectum. The signs of GISTs are often subtle but can include intestinal bleeding, weight loss or the development of an open abdominal mass. Diagnosis can often be made with a combination of CT scanning and endoscopy. Endoscopy is generally used to biopsy these tumors however sometimes they require a specialized endoscopy called an endoscopic ultrasound for biopsy. Surgical removal is the mainstay of treatment of GISTs and can often be performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic surgery to speed recovery. When these tumors are small and low-grade( favorable features under a microscope) they have an excellent prognosis following surgical removal. More aggressive tumors may require treatment with targeted medicines prior to surgical removal or following surgical removal.

Small Bowel Cancer

Cancer beginning within the small intestine is relatively rare. These tumors usually present with symptoms of pain, bloating or blockage of the intestine or bleeding. The mainstay of treatment is surgical removal of the tumor along with the lymph glands in the area. The prognosis of these tumors depends on the extent of lymph node involvement and whether there is any spread to other organs.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer begins within the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ in the mid abdomen which has 2 functions. It produces the hormone, insulin that prevents us from being diabetic. It also produces enzymes which help with the digestion of food. The most common type of pancreatic cancer is called adenocarcinoma and begins within the enzyme producing structures of the pancreas. Less common types of pancreatic tumors include neuroendocrine tumors which have a much better prognosis. These tumors begin within the hormone producing portions of the pancreas. The signs of pancreatic cancer can be subtle leading to delayed diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer often results in mid abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. Pancreatic cancers beginning in the region of the pancreas known as the head of the pancreas can present with yellow jaundice. The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is usually made on the basis of a CT scan and often requires endoscopic ultrasound with biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Small pancreatic cancers can be treated with surgery as initial treatment. When tumors are larger or involve surrounding structures chemotherapy or chemotherapy with radiation therapy can be used before surgery. Unfortunately most patients with pancreatic cancer have tumor that is too extensive for surgical resection and chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy with radiation alone is the preferred treatment.

Abdominal or Retroperitoneal Sarcoma

Sarcomas are tumors beginning within the connective tissues of the body including muscle, fat, blood vessel or nerves. Sarcomas beginning within the abdomen are relatively rare and usually form within the back of the abdomen in the area known as the retroperitoneum. These tumors generally cause very few symptoms until they are very large and then are only diagnosed when a large lump is felt in the abdomen. CT scans can be very helpful in the diagnosis of retroperitoneal sarcomas. The primary treatment for these tumors is surgical removal which may require removal of adjacent intestine or other organs like the kidney. The prognosis of retroperitoneal sarcoma depends on whether it can be completely surgically removed.

Stomach and Gastric Cancer Specialist - Los Angeles, CA

Our team of stomach cancer surgeons offer advanced surgical techniques and technologies at one of the best gastric cancer surgery centers in the world. Schedule a consultation today.

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