second stomach biopsy

nj917 · New User Joined: 04 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

Hi. My dad was diagnosed with Cancer of Unknown Primary. He has cancer in his liver and nodules in his lungs. They feel that it started in his stomach. His second opinion doctor in NY wanted to do a repeat biopsy of his stomach in case something was missed. There was no sign of a tumor the first time around. My question is if there is no tumor, can there be evidence that there was a tumor at some point? One that did not attach itself to the stomach and made its way into one of the other organs, or possibly a small tumor in his stomach that has died (not before it spread, unfortunately)? Would a history of a tumor show up somehow in a stomach biopsy? Thank you. This site is great...reading the emails has given us hope.

brainman · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 8:18 am Post subject: Re: second stomach biopsy

Hi nj917. I am very sorry about your father's cancer. I am also sorry that I have not replied sooner that this. A Cancer of Unknown Primary is an official designation, believe it or not. Many times, the primary is never found. It is possible that later on the Primary will grow large enough for a biopsy to find it. In any event, since they can biopsy the liver tumors, they can tell what kind of cells the cancer has and they can determine from that what chemotherapy is best.

Do you have any update on his condition?
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nj917 · New User Joined: 04 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

Thanks for responding, Brainman. Unfortunately, the cells in his liver can not be identified as one certain cancer. My father's doctor still believes that his stomach/gastric area is the origin of the cancer, even though there is no evidence. He began his chemo last week: oral S-1 in combination with oxaliplatin and bevacizumab. S-1 is an experiemtal drug that is successfully used in Japan. So far, my father has had no side effects and his first round of bloodwork was all normal. The statistics I read are all so depressing. I just keep thinking there are success stories, even with the worst cases. I pray every night that with my father's strong mind and body, he can beat the odds. Any suggestions (complimentary/alternative medicine, etc.) would be very helpful too. Thanks again.

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