MemorialCare Cancer Institute at:
Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, forms in the tissues lining the stomach, an organ in the digestive system. Stomach cancer grows slowly over time and can spread to the lymph nodes and also reach the liver, lungs and bones. It is more common in countries outside of the United States.
Symptoms
Stomach cancer symptoms are not usually noticed in early stages, in advanced stages the symptoms may include:- Discomfort in the stomach, abdomen area.
- Feeling full after a small meal.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Weight loss.
Causes & Prevention
The causes of stomach cancer are unknown. By controlling risk factors that you can change, like not smoking, not eating a lot of smoked, salted or pickled foods and maintaining a healthy weight you can lower your risk for stomach cancer.
Risk Factors
You are at a greater risk for stomach cancer risk if you:- Are over the age of 50.
- Are male.
- Are Asian, Polynesian, Hispanic or African American.
- Live in Japan, Korea, China, Southern or Eastern Europe, South America, or Central America.
- Have a diet high in smoked, salted or pickled foods.
- Smoke or are exposed to smoke.
- Are overweight.
- Had or have stomach surgery, stomach polyps, type A blood, pernicious anemia or another disease of the stomach.
- Have a family history of stomach cancer.
Diagnosis
After a physical exam, a diagnostic image called Upper GI (gastrointestinal) series, an X-ray taken just after drinking barium solution can be taken to view the esophagus and stomach to detect signs of cancer. An endoscopy, a tiny light tube can also be used to look at the stomach, as well as other diagnostic imaging such as a CT scan, MRI or chest X-ray. A biopsy may be taken so that a pathologist can examine tissue from the stomach under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.
Staging
If cancer is diagnosed and before treatment begins, additional tests are performed to determine the stage of the cancer and to see if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Treatments
MemorialCare’s experienced team of oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons conduct roundtable discussions (tumor boards) of newly diagnosed patients to make recommendations for the best course of treatment.
