Clinical trials play an important role in improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. For some patients, taking part may offer access to new therapies that are not yet widely available. Your care team can help determine whether a clinical trial may be an option and explain what participation involves.
What is Stomach Cancer ?
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, develops when cells in the stomach lining begin to grow and divide abnormally, sometimes forming a tumor.
Because early symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for everyday digestive issues, many people aren’t sure what to make of the first changes they notice. If you or someone you care about has concerns, LifeBridge Health’s cancer specialists can answer questions, coordinate testing, recommend treatment and provide supportive follow-up care.
Stomach Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of stomach cancer can vary depending on where the cancer begins and how advanced it is. Early signs may feel similar to other digestive issues and can include:
- Long-term indigestion or heartburn
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Feeling full after eating small amounts
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unintended weight loss
- Ongoing fatigue
- Blood in the stool
How Stomach Cancer is Diagnosed
There are no routine screening tests for stomach cancer. Evaluation usually begins when symptoms raise concern. Several tests help confirm a diagnosis and determine how far the cancer has progressed.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be used to check for signs linked to stomach cancer, such as anemia or changes in liver function. They cannot diagnose cancer alone, but they can inform next steps.
Upper Endoscopy
A thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to look inside the stomach. This allows your provider to closely examine the stomach lining and identify areas that may need further testing.
Biopsy
During endoscopy, a small tissue sample is taken for examination under a microscope. This is the key step in confirming stomach cancer.
Imaging Tests
CT scans, MRI or endoscopic ultrasound help show the size of the tumor, how deeply it has grown and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues.
Stomach Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment for stomach cancer depends on several factors, including how where the cancer is located, advanced it is and your overall health. Your care team uses this information to recommend options that balance effective treatment and quality of life.
Surgery
Depending on the size and location of the cancer, surgery may involve removing the cancer along with part or, less often, all of the stomach. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed if needed.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It may be used alone or to support surgical and radiation treatments.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used to shrink the tumor, support other treatments or ease symptoms.
Targeted Therapy
Some stomach cancers respond to treatments that focus on the specific parts of cancer cells that help them grow. This approach helps limit damage to healthy tissue.
Immunotherapy
In certain cases, immunotherapy may be used to help the immune system better recognize and attack cancer cells.
Clinical Trials
Supportive Services
When you receive cancer care at LifeBridge Health, you have access to supportive services like counseling, integrative therapies and support groups. These resources are designed to help patients care for their physical and emotional well‑being throughout treatment and beyond.