Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer starts in the stomach, and it may grow along the stomach wall into the esophagus or small intestine.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing stomach cancer include:

A diet high in processed, smoked, pickled and salted foods
Infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that causes stomach ulcers and inflammation
Family history of stomach cancer
Smoking

Symptoms of stomach cancer

Stomach cancer does not usually present any symptoms until it is advanced. We strongly recommend taking early detection tests to screen for stomach cancer, especially if a close relative has been diagnosed with it. Symptoms include:

Indigestion
Nausea and vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Early satiety (feeling full as soon as you start eating)
Loss of appetite
Melena (black, "tarry" stools that may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding)
Vomiting blood
Unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis of stomach cancer

Complete blood count (CBC) test to identify any signs of anemia which can be caused by internal bleeding
CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen) or CA19-9
Upper endoscopy
Endoscopic ultrasounds for more precise assessment of the tumor
CT scan or MRI of the chest, abdomen and pelvis to assess whether the disease has spread to other areas of the body

Treatment of stomach cancer at KHCC

Surgery is usually the first form of treatment in patients with stomach cancer. Depending on the stage of the cancer, most patients require chemotherapy and radiotherapy. At KHCC, perioperative chemotherapy is currently the mainstay of treatment in localized gastric cancer.