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Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Gastric adenocarcinoma, or gastric adeno, arises from the stomach's lining when cells grow uncontrollably. Early detection is vital for successful treatment. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers screening, personalized care plans, and advanced therapies to improve patient survival.
External Resource
Learn more about stomach cancer at the American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomach-cancer.html
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection
Long-term gastritis or stomach inflammation
Family history of gastric cancer
Smoking and heavy alcohol use
Diets high in salty, smoked, or processed foods
Conditions such as pernicious anemia or prior stomach surgery
Signs and Symptoms
Persistent indigestion or heartburn
Bloating, especially after meals
Unexplained weight loss
Nausea or occasional vomiting
Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
Blood in vomit or black, tarry stools
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Gastric Adenocarcinoma?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your epigastric pain, indigestion, bloating, unintentional weight loss, appetite changes and any family history of stomach cancer or risk factors like H. pylori infection.
Blood Tests
CBC to check for anemia, H. pylori antibody or antigen testing, and metabolic panels to assess overall health.
Upper Endoscopy and Biopsy
An endoscope is passed into your stomach to visualize the lining directly. Suspicious areas are biopsied for histopathology to confirm adenocarcinoma.
Imaging Studies
CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to evaluate tumor size and look for spread.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to stage the tumor depth and assess nearby lymph nodes.
Staging and Additional Testing
If needed, PET-CT, diagnostic laparoscopy or molecular profiling are used to refine staging and personalize your treatment plan.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for gastric adenocarcinoma.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat smaller meals more often
Increase fresh fruits and vegetables
Avoid salty, smoked, or processed foods
Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption
2. Medications
Proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid
Antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori infection
Targeted therapy or chemotherapy when appropriate
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) for early-stage tumors
Laparoscopic surgery to remove localized tumors
Robotic-assisted surgery for complex or advanced cases
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for gastric adenocarcinoma?
It's C16.*, used for all types of stomach cancer.
What is the survival rate?
It depends on the stage. If caught early, the 5-year survival rate can be 60% or more. In stage 4, survival is lower, but new treatments are helping.
How is it treated in Houston?
Dr. Nguyen offers endoscopy, surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.
Can lifestyle changes help?
Yes. Healthy eating, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol can support your body during treatment.
What side effects should I expect?
Some patients have nausea, fatigue, or trouble swallowing. Dr. Nguyen and his team will help manage these.
Can I get a second opinion?
Absolutely. Dr. Nguyen often reviews past results and offers a fresh look at your options.
How do I prepare for an endoscopy?
You'll need to fast for several hours and may stop some medications. Our team will guide you through each step.
