02/06/2025
The four main types of stomach cancer and how they differ in symptoms and care
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the stomach lining. It's classified into various types based on where the cancer starts and the type of cells involved. Understanding these types can help recognize early symptoms and guide treatment choices.
1. **Adenocarcinoma**: This is the most common type, accounting for about 90-95% of all stomach cancers. It begins in the stomach lining, where digestive fluids are produced. Adenocarcinoma can be further divided into:
* **Intestinal adenocarcinoma**: Cells resemble normal tissue and generally have a better outlook.
* **Diffuse adenocarcinoma**: Cells look different from normal ones, and this type is more aggressive.
Additionally, adenocarcinomas can occur in different areas of the stomach, with gastric cardia cancer affecting the area near the esophagus. Symptoms include stomach discomfort, indigestion, bloating, and loss of appetite.
2. **Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)**: These rare tumors develop in nerve cells of the digestive tract, most commonly in the stomach. GISTs often cause gastrointestinal bleeding, leading to symptoms like anemia, vomiting blood, black stools, and weight loss.
3. **Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors**: These tumors originate in cells that are part nerve and part hormone-producing. Symptoms might not appear early, but when they do, they can include skin flushing, stomach pain, diarrhea, and heart palpitations.
4. **Gastric Lymphoma**: This rare form of cancer develops in the lymphocytes of the stomach's immune system. It may present with symptoms like stomach discomfort, bloating, nausea, fever, and night sweats. A history of H. pylori infection can increase the risk.
Other less common stomach cancers include squamous cell carcinoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, and leiomyosarcoma. Each presents with different symptoms and requires specific treatment approaches.
