Stomach Cancer
Also known as: Gastric Cancer
What is it?
Stomach occurs when abnormal cells grow in the lining and wall of the stomach. Sometimes cancer cells from the stomach can spread to nearby lymph nodes and to the liver, pancreas, and colon. Stomach cancer also may spread to organs such as the lungs and to the lymph nodes above the collar bone. The spread of cancer is called "metastasis." Stomach cancer that has metastasized to the ovaries is called a Krukenberg tumor.
Who gets it?
Stomach cancer occurs twice as often in men as women and rarely occurs under the age of 40. A family history of stomach cancer increases your risk, as does frequent gastritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach lining.
What causes it?
A diet that is high in foods preserved by drying, smoking, salting, or pickling contributes to stomach cancer. These foods usually contain nitrates or nitrites. Drinking too much alcohol or smoking also can cause stomach cancer. Research has also shown that people who have had stomach surgery or have pernicious anemia (a chronic vitamin-deficiency anemia), or achlorhydria or gastric atrophy (both result in low levels or absence of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice) are at risk. Polyps, which are benign growths in the lining of the stomach, may also become cancerous.
What are the symptoms?
Stomach cancer has few symptoms in the early stages. As it progresses, symptoms may include nausea, indigestion or stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation, bloody stools, vomiting blood, loss of appetite, weight loss, anemia, and feelings of fullness or pressure in the stomach.
How is it diagnosed?
Stomach cancer is diagnosed through an examination that may include an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series. These are x-rays of the esophagus and stomach, which are taken after you drink a barium solution. The barium outlines the stomach on the x-rays and makes it easier to find tumors and other abnormalities. You may also have a procedure called an endoscopy, where a slim, flexible, lighted tube is passed through your esophagus into the stomach. During an endoscopy, your doctor can also remove (biopsy) a piece of abnormal tissue and send it for tests to determine if it is cancerous. Your doctor may also order blood tests, chest x-rays, and a CT scan of the abdomen. He or she may also check for blood in your stools. If stomach cancer is diagnosed, your doctor will determine how far the cancer has progressed. This is called "staging," and helps determine treatment. Staging of stomach cancer is based on how deep the growth has penetrated the stomach lining; whether it has invaded surrounding lymph nodes; and whether it has spread to distant parts of the body (metastasized).
What is the treatment?
Treatment for stomach cancer depends on the location of the cancer, how far it has advanced, and your general health. Your treatment may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The operation for stomach cancer is called "gastrectomy." If the tumor is closer to the small intestine, the surgeon will remove part of the stomach, called a partial gastrectomy. When tumors are closer to the esophagus, the procedure is called a near-total gastrectomy. The surgeon will also remove lymph nodes near the tumor to check for abnormal cells because cancer can spread through the lymphatic system.
Self-care tips
You can help protect yourself against stomach cancer by eating a diet high in fresh foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, and properly frozen or refrigerated fresh foods. Limit your intake of smoked foods and nitrate- and nitrite-preserved foods. Consume alcohol moderately and don't smoke. If you have been diagnosed with stomach cancer, follow your doctor's prescribed treatment. If you have had a gastrectomy, your doctor will recommend that you eat several small meals throughout the day, avoid foods that contain sugar, and eat foods high in protein. Always get plenty of rest, and seek the support you need from family, friends, and professional counseling.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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