Stomach Cancer

Overview

Most stomach cancers (gastric cancers) start in cells in glands of the stomach lining. These types of cancers are called adenocarcinomas. Rarely, tumors may develop in the stomach's immune system cells (lymphoma), hormone-producing cells (carcinoid tumors) or nervous system cells (gastrointestinal stromal tumor, or GIST).

Gastric cancer can spread to adjacent lymph nodes, and it can grow through the stomach wall to invade nearby organs such as the colon, pancreas, spleen and liver. After growing through the wall of the stomach, this cancer can also spread to the inner lining of the abdomen, the peritoneum and other organs within the abdominal cavity, such as ovaries. In addition, it can spread through the bloodstream to involve the lungs or more-distant organs.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Expertise and experience. The combined knowledge and expertise of Mayo Clinic specialists provides the latest and most appropriate treatment for your gastric cancer and long-term follow-up care.
• Comprehensive care. At Mayo Clinic, you will receive comprehensive, coordinated care from an experienced team of health care professionals committed to early detection and effective treatments of gastric cancer. Genetic counseling is offered if you have a family history of gastric and other cancers. Consultation with Mayo Clinic experts on complementary medicine can be arranged.
• Cutting-edge care. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, recognizing scientific excellence and a multidisciplinary approach focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report.

Read more about stomach cancer.