Types of Stomach Cancer: Adenocarcinoma, Lymphoma & More

Types of stomach cancer

Stomach cancer develops in the abdomen when the cells start to grow abnormally and uncontrollably. This cancer usually progresses through these different layers. A healthcare provider usually determines how far within the stomach wall the cancer has spread as a part of the staging process.

Here are the different types of stomach cancer:

Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma generally accounts for 90-95% of all stomach cancers in the abdomen. This type of stomach cancer develops in the glandular cells in the stomach lining that generally produce mucus and digestive fluids. 

These subtypes may include:

• Intestinal adenocarcinoma: These types of stomach cancer typically have gene changes which allows for treatment with targeted therapy. 
• Diffuse adenocarcinoma: This type of stomach cancer spreads more quickly and is quite difficult to treat. This is less common when compared to intestinal adenocarcinoma. 

Symptoms

Here are some of the most common symptoms of adenocarcinoma in the stomach. 

These may include:

• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Mild nausea
• Feeling full after eating some portions of the food
• Unexplained weight loss

This type of cancer is often associated with H. pylori infection, smoking, and dietary factors like salty or smoked foods. 

Treatment options

Here are some of the treatments used in adenocarcinoma. 

These may include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted drug therapy
• Immunotherapy

Lymphoma

Lymphomas are generally cancers developed in the lymphatic system, which mainly includes the lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. When these types of cancer develop in the stomach, they are called primary gastric lymphomas. Studies suggest that approximately 5% of lymphoma cases are all stomach cancers.

Types of lymphoma:

• MALT (Mucosa assisted lymphoid tissue) Lymphoma: This type of cancer usually develops in the abdomen. It generally develops in the stomach’s inner lining, or mucosa. This type of condition might stay where it begins. However, it can spread to areas outside of the stomach. This is the most common type of MALT Lymphoma. 
• Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): This is a common type of cancer that usually develops in the stomach. It is generally considered an aggressive type of lymphoma in the stomach.

Symptoms 

Here are some of the symptoms of lymphoma in the stomach. 

These may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Heart burn 
• Indigestion 

Treatment options

Here are some treatments used for the cure of this cancer. 

These may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Bone marrow transplant

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)

GISTs are generally the cancerous tumors that develop in the walls of the gastrointestinal tract of the digestive system. It’s a type of soft tissue sarcoma and usually rare in nature. These gastrointestinal tumors may not cause any specific symptoms, especially when the symptoms are subtle and small. 

Symptoms 

Here are some of the symptoms of Gastrointestinal Stromal tumors. 

These may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool (poop)
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Sudden weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting blood

Treatment options

The treatment option for this cancer may include:

• Surgery
• Targeted therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

Carcinoid Tumors

Carcinoid tumors are a type of slow-growing tumor that are small in size, also known as neuroendocrine tumors, and usually develop in the digestive tract, including the stomach, appendix, small intestine, colon, rectum, and lungs. 

These types of tumors usually don’t cause any specific signs and symptoms until the tumor gets in the advanced stages. 

Symptoms 

Here are some of the signs and symptoms of carcinoid tumors. 

These may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Experiencing changes in bowel habits
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin flushing
• Diarhea
• Weight loss 
• Fatigue

Treatment options

Here are some of the treatment options that are generally used for the cure of this cancer. 

These may include:

• Endoscopic resection
• Local excision
• Resection
• Debulking surgery

Other treatments may also include:

• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Cryosurgery
• Liver transplant

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach is a rare type of cancer, as this type of cancer typically affects the skin, and according to many studies and reports there are only a few cases which is less than 100 cases, reported in medical reports. Squamous cell carcinoma is a very unusual form of stomach cancer. 

Symptoms

Here are few symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma, these may include:

• Intermittent abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Digestive problems

Treatment options

The treatment option for this type of cancer may include: 

• Gastroctomy
• Surgery

Other treatment options may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy

How are these cancers diagnosed?

Your medical team will review your previous medical records, and ask about any kinds of symptoms and perform several physical examinations that may involve a feeling of any kinds of mass in the stomach. They might conduct several tests to diagnose and stage stomach cancer. 

Here are some of the various tools to differentiate between these types:

• Endoscopy with biopsy
• Imaging tests (CT scan, MRIs, PET Scans)
• Blood tests
• Molecular testing for gene mutations (especially in GISTs)

Consult Today

Stomach cancer is not a single disease, as it includes several types with different treatment plans. From common adenocarcinoma to rare and treatable GISTs, identifying the type of stomach cancer is essential to creating a more personalized and effective treatment plan. Early diagnosis is the first line of defense when it comes to cancer, so always pay attention to any recurring symptoms such as digestive symptoms and consult a doctor and get checked immediately. 

At Oncare, we offer premium-quality treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries, at affordable price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialist today! 

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