Stomach cancer, also known asgastric cancer, is a malignant tumor that arises from the lining of the stomach. Most stomach cancers develop slowly over many years, often beginning as precancerous changes in the gastric mucosa before progressing into invasive cancer.
The stomach is a hollow muscular organ located in the upper abdomen that plays a critical role in digestion. Cancer can develop in any part of the stomach, but it most commonly affects thebody and antrum. In recent years, cancers near thegastro-esophageal junctionhave become more common.
Despite declining incidence globally, stomach cancer remains amajor cause of cancer-related mortality, especially in East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and China.
Stomach cancer is classified based on histology and growth pattern:
1. Adenocarcinoma (≈90–95%)
The most common type, originating from gland-forming epithelial cells of the stomach lining.
Intestinal type
Gland-forming
Linked to chronic gastritis andHelicobacter pylori
More common in older adults
Diffuse type
Poorly differentiated
Includessignet-ring cell carcinoma
More aggressive, affects younger patients
Leads to rigid stomach wall (linitis plastica)
2. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)
Arise from interstitial cells of Cajal
Rare, treated differently from adenocarcinoma
3. Gastric Lymphoma
Originates from lymphoid tissue
Often associated withH. pylori
4. Neuroendocrine Tumors
Rare
Usually slow-growing
Stages Staging follows theTNM system: T (Tumor depth)– how deeply the cancer invades the stomach wall N (Nodes)– lymph node involvement M (Metastasis)– spread to distant organs Stage Overview Stage 0: Carcinoma in situ Stage I: Tumor confined to stomach wall Stage II–III: Deeper invasion with lymph node spread Stage IV: Distant metastasis (liver, peritoneum, lung) Early-stage disease has a much better prognosis, but many patients present at advanced stages due to vague early symptoms.
Risk Factors Major risk factors include: Helicobacter pyloriinfection Chronic atrophic gastritis Intestinal metaplasia Smoking High-salt and smoked foods Low fruit and vegetable intake Family history of gastric cancer Genetic syndromes (e.g. CDH1 mutation) Previous gastric surgery Pernicious anemia Male gender Age > 50 years
Symptoms Indigestion Early satiety Mild epigastric discomfort Nausea Advanced-stage Persistent upper abdominal pain Unintentional weight loss Loss of appetite Vomiting Gastrointestinal bleeding (melena or hematemesis) Iron-deficiency anemia Dysphagia (if near gastro-esophageal junction) Ascites in late disease Symptoms are often nonspecific, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Diagnosis Early-stage (often subtle or absent) 1. Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Gold standard Allows direct visualization and biopsy 2. Biopsy & Histopathology Confirms cancer type and grade 3. Imaging CT scan (staging and metastasis) Endoscopic ultrasound (depth and nodes) PET-CT (selected cases) 4. Laboratory Tests Anemia Tumor markers (CEA, CA 19-9 – supportive, not diagnostic) Q1: Is stomach cancer curable? Q2: CanH. pylorieradication prevent stomach cancer? Q3: Is stomach cancer hereditary? Q4: Does diet matter? Q5: Why is stomach cancer often detected late?
Facts (FAQ)
Yes, if detected early and treated appropriately.
Yes, treatment significantly reduces risk.
Most cases are sporadic, but some genetic syndromes increase risk.
Yes. High salt, smoked foods increase risk, while fruits and vegetables are protective.
Early symptoms are vague and easily ignored.
Prostate cancer
Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Endometrial Cancer
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