Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, occurs when cells in the lining of the stomach grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. Although it is one of the more aggressive cancers, there are new treatment options based on the stage of cancer and your genetic makeup.
In this Q&A, Nyein Nyein Thaw Dar, MD, MS, who specializes in caring for patients with gastrointestinal cancers, explains how to recognize the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer, when you should see your doctor, and the different treatment options. There are about 30,000 new cases of stomach cancer each year in the United States, which ranks 16 among cancers according to the National Cancer Institute.
“Detecting and treating stomach cancer early is essential for improving your treatment options and for your overall quality of life,” she says.
What is stomach cancer?
Cancer can form anywhere in the stomach. The cancer forms when there is a genetic mutation or change to DNA of the stomach cells causing the abnormal growth of the cells. Instead of dying, the old cells collect and form a tumor in the stomach lining. The cancer cells attack healthy cells, and the cancerous cells mutate and spread to other organs like the liver, lining of abdominal cavity, lymph nodes, lungs and bones.
We don’t know what causes the mutation. But contributing factors include:
- Family history
- A diet high in fatty, salty, smoked foods, smoking and vaping
- Drinking alcohol
- A diet with few fruits and vegetables
What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer develops slowly and can be difficult to detect as it doesn’t cause symptoms during the initial stages. Mild symptoms include difficulty swallowing, indigestion, loss of appetite, fatigue and stomach pain. Some patients can present with iron deficiency (anemia). Many symptoms can mimic other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
What increases your risk of stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer is more common in:
- Men over age 65
- People with gastritis
- People who smoke and drink alcohol
- People with a family history of stomach cancer
When should I see my doctor?
If you are experiencing some common symptoms or risk factors, you should consult your physician who will assess and diagnose your condition.
Are there screening tests for stomach cancer?
There are currently no recommended screening tests for stomach cancer for people who are not at risk. Screening tests are done to check for disease in people who don’t have symptoms. Some people who have a higher risk of stomach cancer may benefit from screening with upper endoscopy to help detect cancer earlier.
How is stomach cancer diagnosed?
After a thorough exam, your physician may order several tests to help diagnose your condition. To determine if you have stomach cancer, an upper endoscopy is typically used to retrieve tissue and perform a biopsy to assess cancer cells. A biopsy is the only way to confirm the presence of cancer cells and the type of cancer. Other tests and procedures are employed to determine the stage of the cancer. A CT scan or MRI can detect tumors and other abnormalities and help to determine the stage of the cancer. Blood tests offer information on underlying liver and kidney functions, bone marrow function, and circulating tumor DNA.
How is stomach cancer treated?
Your care team considers many factors in developing your care plan, such as the cancer’s location within the stomach and the stage of the cancer. These factors are critical in determining treatment options. Your doctor will also assess your overall health, the type of stomach cancer you have, if it has spread to other areas of the body, your test results, the and the size of the tumor. Generally, cancer treatments are classified as either local or systemic. Local treatments target cancer cells in a specific part of the body and work to remove, destroy, or control them. Surgery and radiation therapy are examples of local treatments. Systemic treatments, travel throughout the body to reach cancer cells that may have spread beyond the original area. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted treatments. Your physician and health care team may suggest a combination of treatments that can kill or shrink the cancer cells.
What is the approach at Mount Sinai Brooklyn?
Mount Sinai Brooklyn patients can benefit from the expertise of multiple stomach cancer specialists, including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, rehabilitation therapists, and supportive care specialists. Together, we take a highly collaborative and coordinated approach to stomach cancer treatment, helping each patient achieve the best possible outcome and quality of life.