Treating stomach cancer involves a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals who collaborate to provide comprehensive care, from diagnosis to treatment and ongoing management. Here are the key doctors and departments involved in the treatment of stomach cancer:

1. Gastroenterologist: Gastroenterologists specialises in diagnosing and treating diseases of the digestive system, including stomach cancer. They play a crucial role in performing diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy (upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or EGD) to visualise the inside of the stomach, take biopsies of suspicious areas, and assess the extent of the cancer.

2. Surgical Oncologist: Surgical oncologists are specialised surgeons who perform surgical procedures to treat cancer. For stomach cancer, surgical oncologists may perform operations such as partial or total gastrectomy (removal of part or all of the stomach), lymph node dissection, and in some cases, surgery to remove tumours that have spread to nearby organs or tissues.

3. Medical Oncologist: Medical oncologists specialise in the treatment of cancer using systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. They develop personalised treatment plans based on the stage of the cancer, tumour characteristics, and the patient’s overall health. Medical oncologists monitor patients throughout treatment, adjust therapies as needed, and manage side effects.

4. Radiation Oncologist: Radiation oncologists specialise in using radiation therapy to target and destroy cancer cells. They may use techniques such as external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or brachytherapy (internal radiation) to deliver precise doses of radiation to the stomach area, particularly for localised tumours or to alleviate symptoms such as pain and bleeding.

5. Pathologist: Pathologists analyse tissue samples obtained from biopsies or surgical procedures to confirm the diagnosis of stomach cancer, determine the type and grade of cancer, and provide essential information to guide treatment decisions. They play a critical role in assessing tumour characteristics and identifying specific biomarkers that may influence treatment choices.

6. Nutritionist/Dietitian: Nutritionists or dietitians provide guidance on nutrition and dietary strategies tailored to the needs of patients with stomach cancer. They help manage nutritional deficiencies, promote healing after surgery or treatments, and optimise overall health and well-being.

7. Palliative Care Team: Palliative care specialists focus on improving the quality of life for patients with advanced stomach cancer or those undergoing aggressive treatments. They provide symptom management, pain relief, psychological support, and assistance with decision-making related to end-of-life care.