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Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lining of the stomach. The stomach is an organ in the upper belly that helps break down food. Most stomach cancers start in the mucus-producing cells of the stomach lining and are called adenocarcinomas. Other less common types include lymphomas and tumors from nerve or muscle cells. Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that infects the stomach, is a major risk factor linked to many cases of stomach cancer, but only a small percentage of people with this infection develop cancer.
Stomach cancer can be hard to detect early because its symptoms often resemble common stomach problems like indigestion or heartburn. As the cancer grows, it can cause more serious symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or bleeding. Because of this, doctors pay close attention to people with risk factors like H. pylori infection or chronic stomach inflammation. Early diagnosis is important because treatment options and outcomes are better when cancer is found before it spreads.
If stomach cancer is suspected, doctors may recommend tests such as an endoscopy, where a thin tube with a camera is used to look inside the stomach, and a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken for examination. Patients might hear terms like gastric adenocarcinoma or gastric lymphoma, which describe different types of stomach cancer. Treatment plans may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination. Sometimes, chemotherapy drugs like 5-Fu-Leucovorin Calcium are used to help control the cancer.
Stomach cancer is sometimes called gastric cancer, and both terms mean the same thing. It’s important to know that not all stomach problems or infections lead to cancer. For example, many people have H. pylori infections without ever developing cancer. Also, symptoms like indigestion are common and usually not caused by cancer. If you see the term stomach cancer in a report or hear it during a visit, ask your healthcare team what it means for your specific situation.
This information is meant to help you understand what stomach cancer is and why it matters. It does not replace advice from your doctor. If you have symptoms or risk factors, or if stomach cancer is mentioned in your medical records, the best next step is to talk with your healthcare provider. They can explain what the term means for you, what tests or treatments might be needed, and how to watch for changes in your health.
Public source information used for this glossary entry includes: