Stomach cancer starts in the inner lining of your stomach and can grow into a tumor that may destroy healthy cells and spread to other parts of your body. Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract are called gi cancers and they occur along your digestive system, which starts in your mouth with your esophagus (the tube that brings food to your stomach) and ends at your anus (where waste leaves your body). The most common type of gi cancer is stomach adenocarcinoma. The remaining forms of gi cancer are less common and include primary gastric lymphoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and neuroendocrine cancer (carcinoid).
The symptoms of a gi cancer vary by the location of your cancer, its stage and what kind of gi cancer you have. These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it is important to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
Pain in the belly (abdomen) is one of the most common gi cancer symptoms. The pain can be mild or severe and may get worse as the cancer grows. Cancers that form in the stomach can also make your stomach ache and cause other problems like nausea, vomiting and feeling full earlier than normal (early satiety).
There are many different kinds of gi cancers, so it is important to tell your doctor what symptoms you are having and when they started. This can help them decide what tests you need to have and if you need treatment.
A gi cancer diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam. Your doctor will feel your abdomen and check for a mass. They will also ask about your past health and family history.
In some cases, a gi cancer diagnosis is made before symptoms appear. This is because a variety of cancer screening tests can catch the disease in its early stages.
These tests include a chest CT scan and an endoscopy. For an endoscopy, a lighted flexible tube with a camera on the end, is inserted through your mouth into your esophagus and then into your stomach. You will be given sedation before the procedure. The GI cancer specialists at the Abramson Cancer Center have extensive experience caring for patients with all types of gi cancers, including advanced and rare cases. Our GI cancer team meets regularly for case conferences to bring you personalized cancer care. This patient summary was written by the PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board, which is made up of experts in cancer treatment and other specialties related to cancer. It is reviewed regularly and updated as needed. The date of the most recent update is shown at the top of the summary. This website is produced by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The PDQ cancer information summaries are written and reviewed by NCI’s PDQ® Patient Version Editorial Board, which is composed of experts in cancer treatment and other specialties relevant to cancer. This website is for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition.
