Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is a cancer that starts in the stomach lining and can affect digestion, appetite, and swallowing.

It may begin in different parts of the stomach and can grow into deeper layers or nearby structures. The tumour’s location and laboratory features help determine the care plan.

Persistent abdominal pain and persistent indigestion are very common presentations of stomach cancer. Difficulty swallowing, feeling full quickly, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, nausea, or vomiting can also occur. Vomiting blood is a common presentation and needs urgent medical assessment.

These symptoms can have many non-cancerous causes. A new symptom that continues, worsens, or affects eating should be discussed with a clinician.

Stomach cancer begins when stomach cells develop changes that disrupt normal growth and repair. Long-term irritation or inflammation can alter the stomach lining, but a single cause is rarely identifiable.

Helicobacter pylori infection can inflame the stomach lining and is one factor clinicians may investigate. Treating an infection does not remove the need to assess ongoing or concerning symptoms.

Doctors assess how far the tumour extends through the stomach wall, whether lymph nodes are involved, and whether it has spread elsewhere. This staging guides the sequence and aim of treatment.

Some people receive treatment before surgery to reduce the tumour or address microscopic disease. Follow-up checks are used to monitor recovery, nutrition, symptoms, and any sign that further care is needed.

Risk may be higher with Helicobacter pylori infection, long-standing stomach inflammation, certain inherited conditions, a close family history, smoking, or diets high in preserved foods. Previous stomach surgery can also change risk.

A risk factor does not establish a diagnosis. Share relevant family history, smoking history, previous operations, and known infections with the clinical team.

Upper endoscopy lets a clinician examine the oesophagus, stomach, and first part of the small bowel. A biopsy taken during the procedure is examined to identify cancer and features that may influence treatment.

Blood tests can look for anaemia and assess general health. CT or other scans help show the tumour’s position and whether nearby lymph nodes or organs need evaluation.

Treatment is selected according to stage, tumour location, tissue features, and overall health. Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery, or when surgery is not the main treatment.

Stomach removal surgery removes part or all of the stomach and reconnects the digestive tract. HER2-targeted therapy may suit tumours with HER2 features, while immunotherapy may be considered when the tumour’s immune-related markers and the wider clinical picture support it.

After treatment, smaller meals, careful chewing, and support from a dietitian may help when the stomach holds less food or digestion changes. Report ongoing vomiting, dizziness after meals, diarrhoea, or difficulty maintaining intake.

A tumour can narrow the stomach outlet or cause bleeding and anaemia. Treatment may lead to nausea, fatigue, infection risk, or nutritional deficiencies. Vomiting blood, black stool, severe pain, faintness, or inability to keep fluids down requires urgent medical care.

Treating confirmed Helicobacter pylori infection, avoiding tobacco, and discussing persistent upper-digestive symptoms can support earlier attention. A balanced diet and prompt review of bleeding or unexplained weight loss are sensible steps.

A gastrointestinal oncology team can coordinate endoscopy, pathology, imaging, surgery, medicines, nutrition, and symptom support. Take medication details, symptom timing, weight changes, and family history to the consultation.