If you or a loved one have received a stomach cancer diagnosis, it can be overwhelming. You’re probably concerned about many things, from treatment to survivorship. The stomach cancer experts at the OSUCCC – James will be here to help you. Our providers offer personalized and compassionate care coupled with extensive training and knowledge to provide targeted and advanced treatments just for you.
What is stomach cancer?
Also known as gastric cancer, stomach cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the stomach grow out of control in your stomach and form a tumor. The stomach is a part of the digestive system; it breaks down food and passes it through the digestive tract to be absorbed by the body.
While stomach cancer doesn’t often cause symptoms in its earlier stages, you should pay attention to common systems such as stomach pain and indigestion. If these stomach cancer symptoms are chronic or persistent, you should speak with your doctor.
What are the causes of stomach cancer?
Though we don’t know exactly what causes stomach cancer, we do know there are certain things commonly associated with it. It’s widely understood that damage to the stomach lining, such as chronic acid reflux or a sodium-heavy diet, may contribute to a higher risk of stomach cancer, as does smoking tobacco or excessive alcohol use. (However, not everyone with these risk factors will get stomach cancer).
When the lining of the stomach is damaged, the cells within the stomach wall begin to develop changes. Each cell’s DNA carries instructions for how it should function and when damaged, these cells multiply — and a buildup of excess cells can develop into a tumor.
What is a gastrectomy?
A gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that can remove either part of (distal, subtotal) or the entire (total) stomach, including some of the lymph node tissue around the stomach. Your doctor may perform a gastrectomy if cancer has not spread beyond the walls of the stomach and can be completely removed with surgery.
To ensure your body’s digestive process can continue, your surgeon will reconnect your digestive tract using a portion of the small intestine. This will allow food to continue moving through your system.
Surgical options are most common when cancer has been found at an early stage and hasn’t spread into the muscle wall of the stomach.
Types of stomach cancer
Depending on which type of cell your stomach cancer originated in, your doctor will classify the cancer as one of a few different types.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Also known as GIST, this is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that begins in cells of the stomach wall and potentially other digestive organs.
- Adenocarcinoma: The most common form of stomach cancer, adenocarcinoma begins in mucus-producing cells. Almost all stomach cancers (that originate in the stomach) are adenocarcinoma.
- Lymphoma: Though lymphoma is a cancer that generally starts in immune system cells, it can also begin in the stomach. If your body is fighting off infection, you might develop a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Carcinoid tumors: These cancers start in neuroendocrine cells, a type of cell that's found in various parts of your body. A carcinoid tumor is considered a type of neuroendocrine tumor, which can also originate from other organs (such as the pancreas or elsewhere along your digestive tract).
Because stomach cancer typically does not present signs or symptoms in its early stages, it’s difficult to diagnose until the disease has advanced. If you have symptoms, or a genetic or hereditary condition that places you at a higher risk of stomach cancer, it’s important to let your doctor know so that you can be screened.
Stomach cancer screening is important to help detect cancer as early as possible, as many symptoms are common and may be associated with other conditions.
What are the common symptoms of stomach cancer?
Symptoms typically present after stomach cancer has begun to spread. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should speak with your doctor immediately.
Unintended or unexpected weight loss
If you aren’t actively trying to lose weight, a sudden loss of weight may be an indicator of stomach cancer.
Stomach pain that does not subside
Chronic stomach pain is also a symptom of other common conditions, but it’s also prevalent in stomach cancer diagnoses. Indigestion, general discomfort or pain that is ongoing should be relayed to your doctor when symptoms occur.
Nausea and/or vomiting
Feeling nauseous and vomiting for an unknown reason can be a symptom of stomach cancer. Let your doctor know immediately if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
Difficulty swallowing
This symptom may also indicate a more advanced stage of stomach cancer. It’s important to monitor your symptoms and if they persist, notify your doctor immediately.
Heartburn
Many people have heartburn and take regular medication for the condition. If you’re newly experiencing heartburn and have not previously had this evaluated by your doctor, notify them immediately.
Stomach cancer may cause other symptoms that can be related to other medical conditions, including a lack of appetite, bloating (particularly after eating) and dark or bloody stool.
Certain symptoms, such as unexpected weight loss, bloody stools and trouble swallowing, may indicate a more advanced stage of stomach cancer.
When you should consult your doctor about symptoms
When symptoms present themselves, note them and when they started. If they continue and other symptoms also arise, take a detailed account of when they began as well; speaking with your doctor about symptoms will help them better understand your condition and determine if you should get screened for stomach cancer.
Your care team will administer one or more tests to evaluate you for stomach cancer. Upon diagnosis, the OSUCCC – James team will work across disciplines to create an individualized treatment plan for you.
Why choose the OSUCCC – James for your stomach cancer care?
The cancer experts at the OSUCCC – James are committed to earlier detection, targeted treatment plans and better outcomes.
As one of only a few cancer centers funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), those treated for stomach cancer at the OSUCCC – James may have access to phase I and II clinical trials. The OSUCCC – James may have hundreds of clinical trials open at any given time, led by renowned research teams, with some offering hope for better treatment and possible cures for stomach cancer.
The most targeted and effective treatment options are available at the OSUCCC – James, making it a preferred destination for stomach cancer care.
The OSUCCC – James’ Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Program
At the OSUCCC – James GI Cancer Research Program, a team of renowned experts leads the charge to new breakthroughs, groundbreaking research and discovery, and innovative treatments for stomach cancer.
Working across multiple disciplines — medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, researchers and more — the OSUCCC – James GI cancer research team shares its world-class knowledge and skills to improve outcomes and work toward a cure for stomach cancer.
Using a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional approach, the GI cancer experts at the OSUCCC – James can extend outside of the lab to promote collaboration and cooperation across a network of research programs, centers and institutions at the OSUCCC – James and beyond.
Leading experts and innovative treatments for gastrointestinal cancers
The James Gastrointestinal Cancer Center is a leading multidisciplinary center that provides comprehensive services for those at risk of (or those diagnosed with) gastrointestinal cancers including stomach cancer.
Located on the eighth floor of Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care, the James Gastrointestinal Cancer Center offers comprehensive exams, infusions, supportive care, endoscopies and more.
If you have received a stomach cancer diagnosis, we are here to help. You can call the James Line to schedule an appointment at 800-293-5066.
Related Resources
Stomach Cancer Prevention and Risk Factors
Stomach Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Stomach Cancer Treatment