What is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a very common form of cancer worldwide.  Your stomach holds the food you swallow and begins digesting it with enzymes and by grinding it up into a slurry. The most common form of stomach cancer is called adenocarcinoma. About 90% to 95% of all stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinomas develop in the glandular cells of the inner layer of the stomach wall. As they progress, they can grow through the layers of the stomach wall and invade nearby organs or spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity. They can also spread to the lymphatic system and bloodstream, where they can travel to other parts of the body.

Types of Stomach Cancer

There are a few other types of stomach cancer that are much less common than adenocarcinoma:

• Lymphomas

  Lymphomas start in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell sometimes found in the stomach. They make up about 4% of all stomach cancers.

• Mesenchymal Tumors

  Mesenchymal tumors start in the connective tissues of the stomach wall. One of the more common mesenchymal tumors is the Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). These may or may not be malignant.

• Carcinoid Tumors

  Carcinoid tumors start in the hormone cells of the stomach and make up about 3% of all stomach cancers. They may or may not be malignant.