Expert Care for Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lining of the stomach — the organ responsible for breaking down food as part of the digestive process. It can develop in any part of the stomach and, in advanced stages, may spread to nearby organs such as the esophagus, liver, or lymph nodes.

At AIROC Hospitals, our gastrointestinal oncology team offers expert, end-to-end care for stomach cancer, combining advanced diagnostic technology with personalized, multidisciplinary treatment plans to achieve the best possible outcomes for every patient.

Stomach cancer often develops slowly over many years and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which can make early detection challenging. As the disease progresses, symptoms typically become more apparent, underscoring the importance of timely evaluation, especially for individuals with known risk factors.

At AIROC Hospitals, we are dedicated to supporting patients through every step of their stomach cancer journey — from early detection and diagnosis to advanced treatment and long-term recovery — with expertise and compassionate care.

Types

Stomach cancer is classified based on the type of cell in which it originates. The main types include:

• Adenocarcinoma – The most common type of stomach cancer, developing in the glandular cells that line the inner surface of the stomach; it accounts for the vast majority of cases.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) – A rare tumor that develops in the specialized cells found in the stomach wall.
• Neuroendocrine Tumors (Carcinoid Tumors) – Slow-growing tumors that arise from hormone-producing cells in the stomach lining.
• Lymphoma – A cancer of the immune system that can develop in the lymphatic tissue of the stomach wall.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma – A rare type that develops from flat cells, more commonly found near the junction of the esophagus and stomach.

Stomach cancer is further classified by stage (0 through IV), based on how deeply the tumor has grown into the stomach wall and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs — key factors in determining treatment at AIROC Hospitals.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms

Early-stage stomach cancer often causes minimal or no symptoms. As the disease advances, common signs may include:

• Persistent indigestion or heartburn
• Feeling full after eating only a small amount
• Abdominal pain or discomfort, particularly in the upper abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting, sometimes with blood
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty swallowing
• Blood in the stool or dark, tarry stools
• Fatigue or weakness due to anemia

Because these symptoms are often mistaken for common digestive issues, prompt evaluation at AIROC Hospitals is important for accurate and timely diagnosis.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of stomach cancer is not always known, but it develops when genetic mutations cause stomach cells to grow and divide abnormally. Known risk factors include:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection – A common bacterial infection that significantly increases the risk of stomach cancer over time.
• Age – Risk increases with age, with most cases diagnosed in individuals over 60.
• Diet – Diets high in smoked, salted, or pickled foods and low in fruits and vegetables are associated with increased risk.
• Smoking and Alcohol Use – Both are linked to a higher likelihood of developing stomach cancer.
• Family History – Having a close relative with stomach cancer increases individual risk.
• Inherited Genetic Syndromes – Conditions such as hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome and Lynch syndrome raise risk significantly.
• Chronic Gastritis and Stomach Polyps – Long-term inflammation or certain types of polyps in the stomach can increase risk.
• Previous Stomach Surgery – Individuals who have had part of their stomach removed face a slightly elevated risk over time.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

At AIROC Hospitals, our specialists use a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to accurately diagnose stomach cancer:

• Upper Endoscopy (EGD) – Allows direct visualization of the stomach lining using a thin, flexible camera and enables tissue sampling.
• Biopsy – Confirms the presence of cancer cells and provides information on tumor type and grade.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound – Helps determine how deeply the tumor has invaded the stomach wall.
• CT Scan – Provides detailed imaging to assess tumor size and check for spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes.
• PET Scan – Helps detect whether cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.
• Laparoscopy – A minimally invasive procedure used in some cases to check for spread within the abdominal cavity before major surgery.
• Blood Tests – Including tumor markers and tests to assess overall health and organ function.

Treatment

Treatment at AIROC Hospitals is personalized based on the cancer's stage, location within the stomach, and the patient's overall health. Options include:

• Surgery – The primary treatment for most stomach cancers, ranging from removal of part of the stomach (subtotal gastrectomy) to removal of the entire stomach (total gastrectomy), depending on tumor extent.
• Chemotherapy – Used before surgery to shrink tumors, after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells, or as a primary treatment for advanced disease.
• Radiation Therapy – Often combined with chemotherapy to target and destroy cancer cells, particularly before or after surgery.
• Targeted Therapy – Drugs designed to attack specific molecular features of the cancer, such as HER2-positive stomach cancers.
• Immunotherapy – Boosts the body's immune response to target cancer cells, particularly beneficial for certain advanced or metastatic cases.
• Endoscopic Resection – A minimally invasive option for very early-stage tumors confined to the stomach lining.

A dedicated multidisciplinary tumor board at AIROC Hospitals — comprising gastrointestinal surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and gastroenterologists — works together to design the most effective, individualized treatment plan for each patient.

Prevention and Risk Factors

While not all cases of stomach cancer can be prevented, certain lifestyle and health measures may help lower risk:

• Treat H. pylori Infection – Testing for and treating this bacterial infection can significantly reduce risk.
• Eat a Balanced Diet – Emphasize fresh fruits and vegetables while limiting smoked, salted, and pickled foods.
• Avoid Tobacco Use – Smoking is strongly linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption – Reducing alcohol intake can help lower risk.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight – Obesity is associated with certain types of stomach cancer.
• Manage Chronic Gastritis – Proper treatment of long-term stomach inflammation can help reduce risk.
• Know Your Family History – Individuals with a family history of stomach cancer or related genetic syndromes should discuss genetic counseling and earlier screening with their doctor.

At AIROC Hospitals, we encourage individuals with risk factors or persistent digestive symptoms to seek timely evaluation — early detection remains one of the most important factors in successfully treating stomach cancer.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider at AIROC Hospitals for personalized diagnosis and treatment recommendations.