Stomach Cancer

Causes of stomach cancer

Stomach cancer starts when healthy cells in the stomach turn into abnormal ones. These cells grow out of control and form a tumor. It’s not always clear what causes it, but possible causes include:

• Long-term infection with a bacteria called H. pylori
• Smoking
• Eating a lot of salty, smoked, or processed foods
• Family history of stomach cancer
• Having certain stomach problems, like ulcers or polyps

Stomach cancer risk factors

Factors that can increase your risk for developing stomach cancer are:

• Being a smoker
• Being obese
• Eating excessive amounts of salty, smoked foods
• Having a family history of stomach cancer
• Having a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
• Having gastritis (stomach inflammation)
• Having gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD
• Having stomach polyps
• Not eating enough fruits and vegetables

Stomach cancer symptoms

Stomach cancer may not show signs early on. As it grows, symptoms can include: 

• Feeling bloated after a meal
• Feeling very full after eating only small amounts of food
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Unintentional weight loss
• Vomiting

Stomach cancer diagnosis

Your oncologist may use one or more of the following tests to diagnose this condition:

Physical exam

Your doctor will perform a complete physical exam – including asking questions about your health history, your symptoms and related risk factors. 

Biopsy

In this test, your doctor removes a biopsy (small sample) from the suspicious area. This sample is sent to the laboratory, where a specialist closely checks the biopsy for cancer. 

Blood test

Your doctor sends a sample of your blood to the laboratory for close analysis. Lab technicians can determine how well your organs are working, which can indicate whether you have cancer.

Computerized tomography (CT) scan

This type of imaging test provides a 3D image of the inside of the body that your doctor can use to determine the size and location of the cancer.

Endoscopy

During this test, your doctor passes a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end through your mouth and into your digestive tract. Your doctor uses specialized imaging equipment to get a close look at the inside of your body.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

This type of imaging test uses high-powered magnets to create detailed images of the inside of your body. Your doctor can closely examine these images to determine the size and location of the cancer.

Stomach cancer treatment

Depending on your personal health history, the extent of the cancer and other factors, your oncologist may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:

• Surgery – you may need to undergo surgery to remove the cancerous area. Your surgeon will work to preserve as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible. 
• Gastrectomy – if the stomach cancer is advanced or widespread, your doctor may recommend you undergo a subtotal (partial) or total gastrectomy. 
• Chemotherapy – you may need to also undergo chemotherapy to destroy any cancerous cells that couldn’t be removed surgically. During this treatment, medication is used to destroy cancerous cells. Chemotherapy can be taken via an oral (by mouth) pill or intravenously (through a vein).
• Immunotherapy – this treatment works with your body’s immune system to fight the cancer.
• Targeted therapy – this treatment involves taking medications that target specific weaknesses of the cancerous cells, working to destroy them.

When should I seek care?

If you experience any of these symptoms, start by voicing your concerns and symptoms to your primary care provider. From there, your doctor may suggest seeing an oncologist for more specialized treatment.