Gastric cancer

Einstein Health Glossary

What is gastric cancer?

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells that make up the lining of the stomach.

Symptoms

Gastric cancer symptoms may include:

abdominal discomfort: persistent pain in the belly area (abdomen), especially in the upper part
unintentional weight loss: significant and unexplained weight loss
loss of appetite: decreased appetite or early satiety when eating
nausea and vomiting: frequent symptoms that may also occur with other digestive issues
fatigue: a feeling of extreme tiredness and general weakness
indigestion or burning sensation: strong heartburn-like feeling
abdominal bloating: fluid buildup in the abdomen, known as ascites
pale stools (acholia) and dark urine (choluria): common signs that the bile ducts are blocked. This can happen when stomach cancer is advanced and has spread to the liver (liver metastases)
vomiting blood: a symptom that occurs in certain cases

Isolated symptoms are not sufficient for a diagnosis. Seek a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.

Causes

Several factors can contribute to the development of gastric cancer. The main risk factors include:

helicobacter pylori infection: a bacterium found in the stomach lining (gastric mucosa) that causes inflammation and can lead to lesions
family history: having cases of stomach cancer in the family increases the risk of developing the disease by up to five times
obesity: this condition increases the risk of gastric cancer
poor diet low in fruits and vegetables: an inadequate diet with few fruits (such as lemon, orange, and papaya) and vegetables (such as kale, lettuce, and broccoli) may contribute to the risk of the disease. Additionally, high consumption of ultra-processed foods (such as soft drinks and instant noodles) can also be a risk factor
smoking: tobacco use is a significant risk factor for the development of gastric cancer

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of gastric cancer usually involves a combination of exams and tests. Early diagnosis is essential for successful treatment. The exams may include:

upper gastrointestinal endoscopy:an exam used to visualize the characteristics and size of the tumor. The procedure also allows for the removal of tissue samples for laboratory analysis (biopsy)
computed tomography (CT scan): assesses the local extent of the disease and checks whether cancer cells have spread to other organs (metastasis)
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopic ultrasound: tests requested when the extent of the disease is not clearly defined by previous procedures

Treatment

Gastric cancer treatment can be either curative or palliative, depending on the stage of the disease:

curative treatment: involves surgical removal of the tumor, which may be partial or total
radiotherapy: uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It can be used alongside surgery to increase cure rates in cases of localized disease
chemotherapy: involves the use of anticancer drugs. It can also be combined with surgery to improve cure rates in localized cases
palliative treatment: offered to patients with tumors that cannot be removed, those with clinical conditions that prevent curative surgery, or when the cancer has spread from its original site to other parts of the body (metastatic disease). It includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and a type of treatment that stimulates the body’s immune system (immunotherapy). These approaches help relieve symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life

Prevention

Some measures can help reduce the risk of developing gastric cancer:

maintain a balanced diet: consuming vegetables (such as broccoli and kale), citrus fruits (such as oranges and lemons), and fiber-rich foods (such as oats and beans) helps prevent the disease
engage in regular physical activity: such as walking, swimming, and weight training (150 to 300 minutes per week)
maintain a healthy weight: exercising and eating a balanced diet to avoid overweight, obesity, and visceral fat (fat that accumulates in the abdominal area), which are risk factors for gastric cancer
eradicate H. pylori infections: good hygiene practices, such as washing hands before and after using the bathroom and washing food before consumption, help prevent infections by H. pylori, a bacterium found in the stomach lining
avoid smoking: tobacco use promotes the development of the disease
moderate alcohol consumption: reduce the intake of alcoholic beverages

Frequently asked questions about gastric cancer

What are the first signs of stomach cancer?

In its early stages, stomach cancer—or gastric cancer—usually does not present symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include upper abdominal pain, persistent indigestion, and nausea

What age group is most affected by stomach cancer?

Gastric (stomach) cancer can occur at any age, but it is more common after the age of 50, with a higher incidence in older adults over 65. Additionally, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), stomach adenocarcinoma—a type of gastric cancer—mainly affects males between the ages of 60 and 70, with about 65% of cases occurring after the age of 50

What are the chances of surviving stomach cancer?

Early diagnosis of stomach cancer significantly increases the chances of a cure. When treated in its early stages, about 80% of patients live more than five years1. However, it is important to note that many factors can influence survival rates, and outcomes may vary depending on each patient’s individual profile

How can you tell if it’s gastritis or stomach cancer?

Gastritis and stomach cancer can have similar symptoms, such as burning sensations, frequent nausea, and loss of appetite. To ensure an accurate diagnosis, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. Exams such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy are used to examine the upper part of the small intestine (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) and identify the issue

What does the abdomen look like in someone with stomach cancer?

In advanced stages of stomach cancer, there may be a visible increase in abdominal size due to fluid buildup in the area (ascites). Additionally, in some cases, partial or total removal of the stomach (gastrectomy) may be necessary. After this surgery, the size of the stomach and the internal structure of the body can change, which may affect the appearance of the abdomen. However, these changes are usually not significant unless there are post-surgical complications or considerable weight fluctuations. It’s also important to note that the patient may have scars in the abdominal area, which can fade over time, especially with the use of appropriate scar-healing creams

Where does it hurt in stomach cancer?

One of the symptoms of stomach cancer is persistent pain in the abdominal area, especially in the upper part (above the navel)

How can you tell the difference between acid reflux and stomach cancer?

Although gastroesophageal reflux and stomach cancer share similar symptoms—such as heartburn and difficulty swallowing—they also have important differences. In advanced stages, stomach cancer may cause symptoms like pale stools (acholia) and dark urine (choluria), which indicate that the bile ducts are blocked

When the tumor bleeds, the blood is usually digested, which can make the stool darker, with a strong odor and sticky appearance (melena). Although vomiting blood is rare in stomach cancer, it can occur in cases of dilated veins or injuries in the esophagus, usually due to severe episodes of nausea and vomiting

However, in the early stages, the symptoms of both conditions can be difficult to distinguish. That’s why it is essential to seek medical guidance for an accurate diagnosis

Which type of cancer can cause bad breath?

Bad breath can be a symptom of oral cancer, throat cancer (oropharyngeal cancer) or laryngeal cancer. In more advanced cases, stomach cancer may also cause bad breath, usually due to the accumulation of food or fluids in the stomach.