Overview
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, develops from the lining cells of the stomach. Many cases are associated with an H. pylori infection, a bacterial infection that can occur in the upper part of the digestive tract.
Approximately 26,000 people are diagnosed with stomach cancer each year in the United States. Stomach cancer is more common in people of Korean or Japanese descent. A Mediterranean diet and the cessation of smoking can lower the risk of developing stomach cancer.
The Patricia Lynch Cancer Center at Holy Name has a multi-disciplinary team of experienced and skilled surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses and support staff to diagnose and treat stomach cancer. Together they provide a compassionate, unified approach in creating a personal strategy for each patient's unique medical, emotional and lifestyle needs.Symptoms
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Blood in the stool
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bloating
Risk Factors
- H. Pylori infection
- Smoking
- Diets high in processed meats
- Obesity
- Family history of stomach cancer
- GERD (reflux)
Diagnosis
- History and physical exam
- Gastroscopy
- Upper GI series
- CT scan
- Biopsy
Treatment
Surgery offers the only chance of curing stomach cancer. The surgery involves removing part, or rarely all of the stomach, and the surrounding lymph glands. Radiation therapy may be used before the surgery to shrink the cancer, or after surgery to treat residual disease. In more advanced cases, chemotherapy and targeted therapy, which is specifically targeted at the cancer cells, are used after surgery.
