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Cancer that forms in the stomach is called gastric cancer or more commonly known as stomach cancer. Cancer occurs when cells in the body begin changing and multiplying out of control — cells form lumps of tissue called tumors. Stomach Cancer

How does Stomach Cancer start?

In most cases, stomach cancer starts in the stomach’s inner lining, the mucosa. These cancer cells can then spread through the other layers of the stomach. If cancer cells reach the stomach’s outer layer, they can invade nearby organs. Stomach cancer can also spread from the stomach to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis. The more cancer spreads, the harder it is to treat.

Stomach cancer is uncommon in the United States, and the number of people diagnosed with the disease each year is declining. Stomach cancer is much more common in other areas of the world, particularly China and Japan.

Treatment Options for Stomach Cancer

  • Surgery to remove the cancerous part of the stomach and some surrounding tissue.
  • Chemotherapy, which uses strong medications to kill cancer cells.
  • Radiation therapy, which uses directed rays of energy to kill cancer cells.

 

Helpful Links

National Cancer Institute

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

American Cancer Society – Stomach Cancer facts

Suburban Gastroenterology