Digestive Disorders

Stomach Cancer

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What is stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is cancer that starts in any part of the stomach. The stomach is just one of many organs located in the abdomen, the area of the body between the chest and the pelvis. Among other organs found in the abdomen are the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and colon. It is important to differentiate among these organs, because cancers and other diseases that affect them present different symptoms and are treated differently.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 21,700 Americans (13,400 men and 8,300 women) will be diagnosed with stomach cancer during 2001. Most people diagnosed with stomach cancer are in their 60s and 70s.

What causes stomach cancer?
The exact cause of stomach cancer is not known, although there are many risk factors believed to contribute to cells in the stomach becoming cancerous.

What are the risk factors for stomach cancer?
The following are suggested as risk factors for stomach cancer:

Helicobacter pylori infection
diet that includes the following:

large amounts of smoked foods

salted fish and meat

foods high in starch and low in fiber

pickled vegetables

foods and beverages that contain nitrates and nitrites

tobacco abuse
alcohol abuse
previous stomach surgery
megaloblastic (pernicious) anemia (caused by vitamin B12 deficiency)
Menetrier's disease
age 55 or older (most patients are in their 60s or 70s)
male gender (more men are diagnosed with the disease than women)
having blood type A
family history of the following:

nonpolyposis colon cancer

familial adenomatous polyposis

stomach cancer

history of stomach polyps
exposure to environmental factors such as dusts and fumes in the workplace

What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?
The following are the most common symptoms of stomach cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

indigestion or heartburn (burning sensation)
discomfort or pain in the abdomen
nausea and vomiting
diarrhea or constipation
bloating after meals
loss of appetite
weakness and fatigue
vomiting blood or blood in the stool

The symptoms of stomach cancer may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is stomach cancer diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for stomach cancer may include the following:

fecal occult blood test - checks for hidden (occult) blood in the stool. It involves placing a very small amount of stool on a special card, which is then tested in the physician's office or sent to a laboratory.

upper GI (gastrointestinal) series (Also called barium swallow.) - a diagnostic test that examines the organs of the upper part of the digestive system: the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray) is swallowed. X-rays are then taken to evaluate the digestive organs.

esophagogastroduodenoscopy (Also called EGD or upper endoscopy.)
An EGD (upper endoscopy) is a procedure that allows the physician to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A thin, flexible, lighted tube, called an endoscope, is guided into the mouth and throat, then into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The endoscope allows the physician to view the inside of this area of the body, as well as to insert instruments through a scope for the removal of a sample of tissue for biopsy (if necessary).
endoscopic ultrasound - this imaging technique uses sound waves to create a computer image of the inside of the esophagus and stomach. The endoscope is guided into the mouth and throat, then into the esophagus and the stomach. As in standard endoscopy, this allows the physician to view the inside of this area of the body, as well as insert instruments to remove a sample of tissue (biopsy).

Treatment for stomach cancer:
Specific treatment for stomach cancer will be determined by your physician based on:

your age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Treatment for stomach cancer may include:

surgery
Surgery may be necessary to remove cancerous tissue, as well as nearby non-cancerous tissue. The most common operation is called gastrectomy. If part of the stomach is removed, it is called a subtotal or partial gastrectomy. If the entire stomach is removed, it is called a total gastrectomy.
radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells.
chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells.

This page was last updated on: January 24, 2008.

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