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Sources: American Cancer Society, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research UK, National Cancer Institute, Texas Cancer Registry
Sources: American Cancer Society, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research UK, National Cancer Institute, Texas Cancer Registry
Cancerous cells can develop in any of the five layers of the stomach, from the innermost layer, the mucosa, to the outermost layer, the serosa. Most cases begin in the mucosa, which produces stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Symptoms, treatments, and survival rates all vary, depending on the cancer’s point of origin in the stomach.
Cancers that begin in the mucosa, the innermost layer, are the most treatable, as they slowly grow out into the outer stomach layers. Cancers in the outer layers of the stomach are more likely to spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes. Stomach cancer that spreads into the lymph system is less treatable. Once a leading cancer killer in the United States, the disease has become less common.
Stomach cancer in its early stages does not trigger immediate symptoms. However, symptoms that may appear in later stages of development include:
Treatment options vary, depending on the size, location, stage, and type of the cancer, and the patient’s health. Most treatment options include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, proton therapy, immunotherapy, or palliative therapy. Patients with stomach cancer may also consider participation in clinical trials.
Linitis plastica is a very rare type of stomach cancer that spreads to the muscles of the stomach wall, forming a thick and immovable layer. It develops a flat, thickened area of the mucosa and is sometimes called leather bottle stomach. When this happens, the stomach is unable to hold much food, and does not stretch out as food digests.
Linitis plastica is a rapidly growing cancer. Although the survival outlook is poor and it is difficult to treat, treatment options are available in some cases. Treatment options for linitis plastica are surgery and chemotherapy, and radiotherapy may be used to relieve symptoms. A total gastrectomy (surgical removal of the stomach) may be recommended.
