Stomach Cancer

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Content is sourced from third parties, and we do not guarantee accuracy or accept any liability for its use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance.

What is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, originates in the stomach lining, primarily as adenocarcinoma (95%), from glandular cells. Types include intestinal (linked to H. pylori) and diffuse (signet-ring cell, aggressive). In 2025, ~26,500 US cases annually, median age 68, more in men/Asian/Hispanic populations, with decreasing incidence due to H. pylori eradication.

Symptoms

Early asymptomatic; advanced include indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting (blood possible), early satiety, weight loss, fatigue, anemia (bleeding), and dysphagia (cardia tumors). Advanced cause ascites, jaundice, or palpable masses. Symptoms mimic ulcers.

Causes

H. pylori infection is primary (70%), causing chronic gastritis. Risk factors include salted/smoked foods, low fruits/vegetables, smoking, alcohol, family history, and syndromes (Lynch, FAP). Genetic mutations (CDH1 in hereditary diffuse). In 2025, microbiome and Epstein-Barr virus (9%) are key.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis uses endoscopy with biopsy, EUS for depth, CT/MRI/PET for staging, and laparoscopy for peritoneal spread. Blood tests (CEA, CA19-9) monitor. In 2025, AI endoscopy detects 90% early lesions.

Treatment

Early-stage uses endoscopic resection or gastrectomy with lymph node dissection. Advanced involves perioperative chemotherapy (FLOT), targeted (trastuzumab for HER2+), immunotherapy (nivolumab for PD-L1+), and radiation. In 2025, light therapy and ADCs improve responses.

Future Outlook

In 2025, 5-year survival is 32% overall, 70% localized. Advances extend advanced to 12-18 months. By 2030, vaccines and AI could achieve 50% survival.

Sources

The information for stomach cancer is sourced from Mayo Clinic’s “Stomach cancer – Symptoms and causes” for symptoms; Cleveland Clinic’s “Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer): Symptoms, Treatment & Outlook” for treatment; NCI’s “Gastric Cancer Treatment” for diagnosis; Healthline’s “Stomach Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment” for overview; and PMC’s “Advances in Gastric Cancer Therapy” for future outlook.