Gastric Cancer

Learn more about gastric cancer and how it is treated.

Overview

Gastric cancer, also called stomach cancer, can develop in any part of the stomach. It can spread throughout the stomach and to other organs such as the small intestines, lymph nodes, liver, pancreas and colon.

Our care

Learn more about the specialized care provided at Mount Sinai Hospital for colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. It does not replace the need for consultation with a health-care professional. Please speak with your health-care professional for questions about your health.

Types

Types of gastric cancer

Adenocarcinomas

Adenocarcinomas are cancers that start in the glands that line your organs. They can show up in different parts of your body. In gastric cancer, adenocarcinomas start in the glands in the inner lining of the stomach.

Adenocarcinomas are the most common type of gastric cancer, making up about 90 to 95 per cent of cases. When physicians talk about gastric cancer, they are almost always talking about this type.

Carcinoid tumours

Carcinoid tumours affect cells that make hormones and can occur in different parts of your body, although they often start in the gastrointestinal system. Most carcinoid tumours grow very slowly.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs)

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) start from special nerve cells in the wall of the stomach and other digestive organs. These cells send signals to your muscles to help move food through the digestive system. When these cells grow and divide too much they can form a tumour.

Not all GISTs are cancerous. These tumours are most commonly found in the stomach.

Lymphomas

Lymphomas are a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. Because there is lymphoid tissue throughout the body, lymphoma can start in many different body parts. Lymphomas that start in the stomach are very rare.

Diagnosis

There are several tests used to diagnose gastric cancer, including the following. More than one test is often needed to make an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic imaging

Imaging, like a computed tomography (CT) scan or a special X-ray called a barium swallow test, helps physicians clearly see your stomach. If cancer is suspected you may need further testing.

Endoscopy

During an endoscopy a technician passes a thin tube with a tiny camera down your throat and into your stomach. This helps physicians see inside your stomach and look for signs of cancer.

During the endoscopy, we may collect a piece of tissue. This is called a biopsy. The tissue sample will be sent to the lab for further testing.

Cancer staging

If cancer is found, the next step is determining the stage of cancer. Knowing the stage of your cancer helps your care team develop your treatment plan. Physicians determines the stage of your cancer based on the size and location of the tumour, whether cancer cells are in the lymph nodes and whether there are cancer cells in other parts of the body.

Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with gastric cancer, your Cancer care team will discuss your treatment options and help you to weigh the benefits of each treatment option against the possible risks and side effects.

Surgery is the most common treatment of gastric cancer. Your surgeon may remove part of your stomach or your entire stomach. This procedure is called a gastrectomy. Lymph nodes near the tumour are also generally removed during surgery so that they can be checked for cancer cells.

In some cases you may need a combination of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to treat gastric cancer.

Clinical trials

You may be able to participate in a research study that helps physicians and researchers find ways to improve treatments and quality of life for patients living with a gastric cancer.