Endoscopy Ulcerated Gastric Cancer

Several different types of cancer can occur in the stomach. The most common type is called adenocarcinoma, which starts from one of the common cell types found in the lining of the stomach.

This article focuses on adenocarcinoma of the stomach.

Adenocarcinoma of the stomach is a common cancer of the digestive tract worldwide, although it is uncommon in the United States. It occurs most often in men over age 40. This form of gastric cancer is very common in Japan, Chile, and Iceland.

The rate of most types of gastric adenocarcinoma in the United States has gone down over the years. Experts think the decrease may be because people are eating less salted, cured, and smoked foods.

You are more likely to get gastric cancer if you:
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Have a family history of gastric cancer

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Have an infection of the stomach by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori

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Had a polyp larger than 2 centimeters in your stomach

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Have inflammation and swelling of the stomach for a long time (chronic atrophic gastritis)

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Have pernicious anemia

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Smoke



Symptoms
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Abdominal fullness or pain, which may occur after eat a small meal

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Dark stools

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Difficulty swallowing, which becomes worse over time

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Excessive belching

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General decline in health

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Loss of appetite

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Nausea

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Vomiting, which may contain blood (See: Vomiting blood)

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Weakness or fatigue

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Weight loss