Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the stomach. It can happen in any part of the stomach, but most cancerous growths start in the stomach body — the main part of the stomach.1

Types of stomach cancer

There are multiple types of stomach cancer, which are based on the type of cell where the cancer begins. Examples of stomach cancer types include:1

  • Adenocarcinoma cancers: The most common type of stomach cancer. Adenocarcinoma grows in the cells that make mucus.
  • Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): A type of soft tissue cancer that starts in nerve cells found in the stomach wall. Some GISTs are likely to grow and spread to other parts of the body. They can start anywhere in the digestive tract, but most GISTs start in the stomach.
  • Neuroendocrine tumors: A type of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) found in the stomach (or other parts of the digestive tract). NETs typically grow slowly and do not spread to other organs, but some can grow and spread quickly.
  • Lymphomas: Cancers that start in immune system cells, used to fight germs. Most lymphomas usually start in other parts of the body.2
  • Other cancers: Squamous cell carcinomas, small cell carcinomas and leiomyosarcomas can also start in the stomach. These cancers are very rare.

Stomach cancer symptoms

Stomach cancer rarely causes symptoms in the early stages. Stomach cancer screening isn't commonly part of routine care, which can make it harder to find early. Most stomach cancers aren’t found until they’ve grown or spread outside the stomach.3

When they do appear, the signs of stomach cancer can include:3

  • Decreased appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Blood in the stool
  • Anemia
  • Jaundice

Most of these symptoms may be caused by things that are not stomach cancer, like a virus or an ulcer. If you have these symptoms and they are severe, don't go away or get worse, you should talk to your doctor.3

How is stomach cancer diagnosed?

Stomach cancer diagnosis starts with a conversation with your doctor about your symptoms. They will likely perform a physical exam to feel for a mass in your stomach and other abnormalities. Your doctor may also check for blood in your stool. Other tests that help diagnose and determine the stage of stomach cancer include:4

Stomach cancer treatments

If you're diagnosed with stomach cancer, you'll likely have a team of doctors and specialists working together to plan the best treatment for you. Your care team may consist of doctors that include:5

  • Gastroenterologist: a specialist in digestive system disease
  • Surgical oncologist: a surgeon who treats cancer
  • Medical oncologist: a doctor who uses medications like chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy to treat cancer
  • Radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer using radiation therapy to target and destroy cancer cells

In addition to these specialists, you might also work with physician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), nurses, psychologists, social workers, nutritionists, rehabilitation specialists and other health care professionals who can support you throughout your treatment. They’re all there to help you manage your care, stay as healthy as possible and navigate the journey ahead.5

Types of stomach cancer treatments

Stomach cancer treatment options typically include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and palliative care. Some include a mix of treatments.5

Your provider may recommend surgery to remove a tumor or parts of your stomach. The most common types of surgery include:6,7

  • Upper endoscopy: used to remove cancer in the early stages, when it is limited to your stomach's superficial (uppermost) layers
  • Gastrectomy: if the tumor has spread beyond your stomach's superficial layers, gastrectomy surgery is used to remove the part of your stomach and nearby areas affected by the cancer.

A treatment where drugs are used to kill cancer cells. These drugs can be given by injection into a vein (intravenous) or by mouth (pill).8

Radiation can be used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.9

Targets specific proteins or molecules on cancer cells to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells, destroy them or relieve cancer-related symptoms.10

Most commonly used in recurring or advanced cancer, immunotherapy uses your own immune system alongside drugs to destroy cancer cells that may be hard to detect.11

Specialized medical care to help with quality of life. Care comes from a team that may include doctors, nurses and other specialists who can help with symptom relief. Palliative care can be supplemental to other treatments.12

What causes stomach cancer?

While the exact cause of stomach cancer isn’t known, experts believe it’s tied to certain stomach conditions such as infections, long-standing acid reflux and a diet high in salty foods. These conditions hurt stomach cells, causing their DNA to change. The changes can tell the cells to grow quickly, causing extra cells in the stomach that can form a mass called a tumor.13

Risk factors for stomach cancer?

There are certain lifestyle behaviors and conditions that may increase your risk for stomach cancer. They include:13

Who should I see if I’m concerned about stomach cancer?

If you are at increased risk of stomach cancer, talk to your doctor about getting regular screenings. If you have stomach cancer symptoms, keep track of your symptoms and talk with your doctor. Most stomach problems are not cancer, but only a doctor can tell what the cause may be.

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