Introduction
Stomach cancer starts in the mucus-producing cells which line the stomach. Stomach cancer, also referred to as adenocarcinoma, grows slowly for many years. It is hard to diagnose and to treat as well. This type of cancer never causes any early symptoms and hence goes undiagnosed until it has spread to a significant part of the entire body. At this stage it becomes hard to treat. Stomach cancer occurs within the cells of the upper digestive system, when regular healthy cells become cancerous, multiple and become a tumor. Stomach cancer affected 25,500 people in the United States. Most of the people who are diagnosed with stomach cancer would have already developed metastasis.
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Severe stomach pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Weight loss
- Feeling bloated after meals
What are the types of Stomach Cancers?
Adenocarcinoma – Adenocarcinoma occurs in the cells of the innermost lining of the stomach. They are the most commonly occurring stomach cancer.
Lymphoma – Lymphoma starts anywhere lymph tissues are found, including the stomach. It is the cancer of the immune system tissues. It accounts for about 4% of all type of stomach cancer and hence is very rare.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor – Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) affects the interstitial cells of Cajal, a special kind of cells found in the lining of the stomach. This type of stomach cancer is rare and GIST cells are very similar to muscle cells.
Carcinoid Tumor – Originating in the hormone producing cells of the stomach, Carcinoid tumor never spreads to any other organ except the stomach. Hence, they account for 3% of stomach cancer.
Cancer Treatment
