Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is cancer that occurs in the stomach - the muscular sac located in the upper middle of your abdomen, just below your ribs. Your stomach is responsible for receiving and holding the food you eat and then helping to break down and digest it.

Another term for stomach cancer is gastric cancer. These two terms most often refer to stomach cancer that begins in the mucus-producing cells on the inside lining of the stomach (adenocarcinoma). Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of stomach cancer.

Signs and symptoms of stomach cancer may include: fatigue, feeling bloated after eating, feeling full after eating little, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, weight loss.

The cells that form the tumour determine the type of stomach cancer. The type of cells in your stomach cancer helps determine your treatment options.

Types of stomach cancer include:

• Cancer that begins in the glandular cells (adenocarcinoma). The glandular cells that line the inside of the stomach secrete a protective layer of mucus to shield the lining of the stomach from the acidic digestive juices. Adenocarcinoma accounts for more than 90 percent of all stomach cancers.

• Cancer that begins in immune system cells (lymphoma). The walls of the stomach contain a small number of immune system cells that can develop cancer. Lymphoma in the stomach is rare.

• Cancer that begins in hormone-producing cells (carcinoid cancer). Hormone-producing cells can develop carcinoid cancer. Carcinoid cancer is rare.

• Cancer that begins in nervous system tissues. A gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) begins in specific nervous system cells found in your stomach. GIST is a very rare form of cancer.

Tests and procedures used to diagnose stomach cancer include:

• A tiny camera to see inside your stomach (upper endoscopy). A thin tube containing a tiny camera is passed down your throat and into your stomach. Your doctor can look for signs of cancer.

• Imaging tests. Imaging tests used to look for stomach cancer include computerized tomography (CT) and a special type of X-ray sometimes called a barium swallow.