The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 24,000 new cases of stomach cancer are diagnosed in the United States annually. Also known as gastric cancer, stomach cancer can develop in any part of the stomach and may spread to other organs. Carcinoma of the stomach is the second most common gastrointestinal cancer in this country. Although its incidence has declined in recent years, gastric carcinoma remains a significant threat, responsible for over 13,000 deaths annually.

ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

What is the the stomach?

Located in the upper abdomen, the stomach is part of the digestive system. Food enters the stomach from the esophagus, and juices produced by glands in the stomach lining assist in the digestive process. After several hours, the food becomes more liquid and moves into the small intestine, continuing the digestive process.

Am I at risk for cancer of the stomach?

Stomach cancer is diagnosed most frequently in people over the age of 55. Men are afflicted twice as often as women, and the disease is more common among African-Americans than Caucasians. The National Cancer Institute states that eating foods that are preserved by drying, smoking, salting, or pickling may play a role in the development of stomach cancer. Although the presence of stomach ulcers does not appear to increase one’s risk of developing stomach cancer, the bacterium associated with stomach inflammation and ulcers, known as Helicobacter pylori, may be an important risk factor for this disease.

What are the symptoms?

Gastric carcinoma is an insidious disease that commonly exhibits no symptoms until late in its development. Furthermore, many patients ignore its initial symptoms because these symptoms are often vague and intermittent.

Symptoms of stomach cancer can include:

• Indigestion or a burning sensation
• Blood in or on the stool
• Abdominal pain
• General stomach discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss

Because health problems other than stomach cancer may cause the above symptoms, the appearance of one or more of these symptoms is a strong indication to consult your family physician or a gastroenterologist – a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases – so that your condition can be correctly diagnosed.

How is stomach cancer detected?

Once your symptoms have been identified, your doctor may begin to determine their cause by evaluating your medical history, performing a physical examination, and ordering laboratory studies. In order to assist him/her in finding tumors or other abnormalities, your doctor may also have you undergo a fecal occult blood test (to check for the presence of hidden blood in the stool) and/or an upper gastrointestinal series (which involves x-rays of the esophagus and stomach).

In addition, your doctor may perform a procedure called gastroscopy or upper endoscopy described below.

PATHOLOGY TESTING

How is stomach cancer diagnosed?

The stomach biopsy procedure is the primary method used to diagnose stomach cancer. Your physician may perform an upper endoscopy utilizing an endoscope – a thin, lighted tube equipped with a tiny camera. Using a local anesthetic, the physician passes the endoscope through the mouth and esophagus to view the interior lining of the stomach. The endoscope permits the photographing of suspicious areas as well as the actual removal of tissue samples (biopsies) for subsequent laboratory evaluation. The tissue samples are sent to a diagnostic laboratory for evaluation by a pathologist – a physician who specializes in the diagnosis of disease via microscopic examination of tissue samples. If cancer is detected, the pathologist can then assist your physician in determining the stage and extent of the disease process.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Do I have a choice of treatment?

Yes. There are several options for the treatment of stomach cancer, depending on your age, the size and location of the tumor, the stage of the disease (i.e., whether it has spread to other organs) and your general health. You may also have concerns regarding the treatment process and potential side effects; therefore, it is essential that you and your doctor discuss all available options leading to the development of a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs and circumstances.

This information is not intended to provide specific medical or professional advice. Your physician should provide definitive medical advice, as well as answers to your medical-related questions.

RESOURCE SUPPORT

For additional information about stomach cancer, the following resources are available:

National Cancer Institute
Cancer Information Service (CIS) 1.800.4.CANCER
The Cancer Information Service and Cancernet are National Cancer Institute programs that provide a nationwide telephone service and website for cancer patients, their families and friends.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY (ACS)
1.800.ACS.2345
The American Cancer Society is a voluntary organization with a national office in Atlanta, Georgia, and local facilities across the country. It supports research, patient education programs, and other services for family members. It also publishes free booklets on stomach cancer and home care.

AmeriPath, Incorporated
800.330.6565
AmeriPath is the nation’s leading provider of cancer diagnostics, genomics and related information. Our AmeriPath team consists of more than 400 board-certified anatomic pathologists (many with subspecialty expertise) and our Institute of Gastrointestinal Pathology and Digestive Disease. Our specialists are able to pool their expertise through multiple modes of communication and respond quickly when consulting on unique or difficult cases.
Although AmeriPath’s board-certified pathologists do not treat patients directly, they render invaluable assistance to attending physicians (and indirectly to you) through the provision of definitive diagnoses based upon their interpretation of biopsy and cytology specimens. AmeriPath’s pathologists also serve as vital consulting links to attending physicians regarding effective treatment options.

This report is intended for patient education and information only. It does not constitute advice, nor should it be taken to suggest or replace professional medical care from your physician. Your treatment options may vary, depending upon medical history and current condition. Only your physician and you can determine your best option. Provided to you as a service by AmeriPath, Inc.