Stomach Cancer

What is Stomach Cancer?

The digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal system, is the series of organs our bodies use to break down food, absorb nutrients, and remove waste. Food moves from the mouth, down the esophagus, into the stomach, and through the intestines before leaving the body. The word “gastric” refers to the stomach, which participates in the chemical and physical digestion of food before passing it to the small intestine. Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, includes all cancers that originate in the stomach.

The wall of the stomach is made up of several tissue layers. Stomach cancer typically begins when cells of the innermost layer, known as the mucosa, multiply uncontrollably and grow outward through the other layers. These deeper layers contain blood and lymphatic vessels, allowing cancer to spread to other parts of the body once it reaches them.

What Causes Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer develops as a result of changes to the genetic material within stomach cells. These changes cause uncontrolled cell growth and division. Although certain factors increase the risk of developing stomach cancer, in most cases the exact cause is unknown. Risk factors may include:

• Aging
• Chronic inflammation of the stomach
• Family history of certain cancers or inherited cancer syndromes
• Exposure to aflatoxin
• Helicobacter pylori infection
• Immune system impairment
• Obesity
• Diets high in pickled, salty, or smoked foods
• Pernicious anemia
• Personal history of stomach polyps or other cancers
• Smoking
• Diets low in fruits and vegetables

How Is Stomach Cancer Detected?

Our specialists collect information regarding your medical, surgical, social, and family history; conduct laboratory testing; and review radiological studies to approach patient care in the most comprehensive and personalized manner. If stomach cancer is suspected, your doctor may order imaging studies to help reach a diagnosis. These may include:

• CT scan: Uses X-rays to create detailed three-dimensional images of the body.
• PET scan: Uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to detect areas of cancer based on metabolic activity.
• PET-CT scan: Combines PET and CT technologies for enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
• Endoscopy: Uses a flexible tube with a small camera to view the inside of the stomach.
• MRI: Uses magnetic fields to generate detailed images of organs and tissues.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of internal structures.

If imaging results show a suspicious mass, your doctor will likely recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan.

Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

The following may be indicative of stomach cancer but may also be caused by other illnesses:

• Abdominal bloating, discomfort, or pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Anemia
• Appearance of bloody or dark stools
• Vomiting blood
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling full after eating small amounts
• Feeling full even after long periods without eating

It is important you tell your doctor if you have any of these signs and symptoms, so he or she may determine their cause and plan treatment, if necessary.

Stages of Stomach Cancer

Staging determines how far the cancer has spread and helps guide treatment. According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), the stages for stomach cancer are as follows:

Stage 0

Cancer is limited to the innermost layer of the stomach lining.

Stage I

Cancer has spread through the interior lining and possibly to nearby lymph nodes or part of the stomach’s muscle wall.

Stage II

Cancer has grown deeper into or through the stomach wall and may or may not involve nearby lymph nodes but has not spread to surrounding organs.

Stage III

Cancer extends deeper into the stomach and involves more lymph nodes but has not spread to distant organs.

Stage IV

Cancer has spread beyond the stomach to distant parts of the body, such as the liver or other organs.

How Is Stomach Cancer Treated?

Treatment of stomach cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer. Options may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery

When choosing a treatment plan, important factors to consider include:

• Your age, overall health, and lifestyle
• The stage of your cancer
• Other existing health conditions
• Your feelings about when to begin treatment
• Your doctor’s recommendations
• The likelihood that treatment will be effective
• Possible side effects of each treatment

You may feel the need to make a quick decision, but it is important to ask questions and fully understand your options. Communicate openly with your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks of each treatment plan and determine the approach that best meets your needs.

Our Approach

We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and frightening. At The New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, we build our care teams around you. Our expert oncologists will guide you through each step, answer your questions, and provide compassionate support throughout your journey. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that may be related to cancer, please call us at (855) 528-7322 or make an appointment online.