Stomach-preserving surgery may improve outcomes and quality of life over standard gastrectomy (surgical removal of the stomach) in patients with early-stage gastric cancer, according to an analysis of the SENORITA clinical trial that CURE reported on in 2024. Findings showed that at three months after surgery, the group that underwent stomach-preserving surgery tended to have better quality-of-life outcomes regarding physical functioning; difficulty breathing (dyspnea); appetite loss; difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); eating restriction; anxiety; taste change; and body image.
- About Us
- Advertise / Support
- Editorial Board
- Contact Us
- CancerNetwork.com
- TargetedOnc.com
- OncLive.com
- OncNursingNews.com
- Terms & Conditions
- Privacy
- Do Not Sell My Information
- Washington My Health My Data
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences™ and CURE - Oncology & Cancer News for Patients & Caregivers. All rights reserved.
Stomach Cancer: Basics from Symptoms to Treatment
October 23, 2025
Alex Biese
Alex Biese
A nationally-published, award-winning journalist, Alex Biese joined the CURE team as an assistant managing editor in April 2023. Prior to that, Alex's work was published in outlets including the Chicago Sun-Times, MTV.com, USA TODAY and the Press of Atlantic City. Alex is a member of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, and also performs at the Jersey Shore with the acoustic jam band Somewhat Relative.
What you need to know about stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer.
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, develops when cells in any part of the stomach grow and divide abnormally. The vast majority of stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas, which start in the glandular tissue lining the inner surface of the stomach.
Stomach cancer can be challenging to detect early because it often does not cause noticeable symptoms until it is advanced.
Symptoms
When symptoms do appear, they can often be vague, mimicking less serious stomach ailments. Common signs include:
- Indigestion or heartburn that is persistent or worsening.
- A feeling of fullness even after eating a small meal (early satiety).
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite.
- Pain or burning sensation in the abdomen.
- Fatigue, often due to low blood counts (anemia).
Risk Factors
Key risk factors include chronic infection with the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, a diet high in smoked and salted foods and low in fruits and vegetables, and a family history of stomach cancer. Smoking is also a significant factor.
Diagnosis and Staging
Diagnosis is a multi-step process focused on confirming the cancer, determining its specific type and, most critically, staging it to guide treatment.
- Endoscopy (Gastroscopy): This is the main diagnostic test. A thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed down the throat into the stomach, allowing the doctor to visually inspect the stomach lining and take biopsy samples of any suspicious areas.
- Imaging Tests: Once cancer is confirmed, tests like a CT scan, PET scan or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are used to determine the stage of the cancer—how deep it has grown into the stomach wall and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.
- Laparoscopy: In some cases, a surgeon may perform a minimally invasive surgery called laparoscopy. This procedure involves small incisions and a camera to look directly inside the abdominal cavity for tiny areas of cancer spread that may not show up on scans.
- Molecular Testing: The tumor tissue will be tested for specific genetic markers, such as HER2 protein overexpression or MSI (microsatellite instability). Finding these markers can open up treatment options with targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
Treatment Options
Treatment for stomach cancer is highly personalized and typically involves a combination of therapies administered by a multidisciplinary team.
- Surgery: The most important treatment for early-stage and many locally advanced cancers is surgery, which involves removing part or all of the stomach, along with surrounding lymph nodes.
- Subtotal Gastrectomy: Removal of only the part of the stomach containing the tumor.
- Total Gastrectomy: Removal of the entire stomach, connecting the esophagus directly to the small intestine.
- Chemotherapy: Often a combination of powerful drugs used to kill cancer cells.
- Perioperative Therapy: Giving chemotherapy (sometimes with radiation) before (neoadjuvant) and after (adjuvant) surgery. The goal is to shrink the tumor before surgery and eliminate any remaining cancer cells afterward, improving long-term outcomes.
- Systemic Therapy: Used as the main treatment for advanced or metastatic cancer to control the disease.
- Targeted Therapy: These drugs work by targeting specific changes in cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Drugs that help your own immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy may be used for advanced cancers that test positive for certain molecular markers, like high MSI.
Side Effects of Treatment
It is important to anticipate potential side effects and discuss strategies for managing them with your care team.
Chemotherapy: Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, temporary low blood cell counts, neuropathy (numbness/tingling in hands/feet).
Radiation therapy: Fatigue, skin changes in the treated area, loss of appetite, nausea.
Targeted/immunotherapy: Can cause side effects related to the immune system over-activating, such as rash, diarrhea or inflammation of internal organs.
Conclusion
A diagnosis of stomach cancer is a serious moment, but it is important to focus on the customized treatment plan your oncology team will create. Significant progress has been made with combined therapy approaches, which have improved the outlook for patients.
Key discussion points for your oncologist appointment:
- Molecular Test Results: Ask if your tumor was tested for HER2 and MSI status, as this guides the use of targeted and immunotherapy drugs.
- Treatment Sequence: Clarify why your team is recommending a specific sequence—for example, surgery first, chemotherapy first or a combination (perioperative).
- Nutritional Plan: Inquire about working with a dietitian to proactively address potential post-surgical challenges like dumping syndrome and weight loss.
This guide is designed to be a starting point. Your personal experience will be unique. By using this information as a foundation for your discussions, you can partner with your oncologist to make the best decisions for your health.
Editor's note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your healthcare team with any questions or concerns.
For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.
References:
- “Stomach Cancer Risk Factors,” American Cancer Society; https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/stomach-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
- “Stomach Cancer Diagnosis,” National Cancer Institute; https://www.cancer.gov/types/stomach/diagnosis
- “Stomach Cancer Treatment,” National Cancer Institute; https://www.cancer.gov/types/stomach/treatment
- “Stomach-Preserving Surgery May Improve Early Gastric Cancer Outcomes,” CURE; https://www.curetoday.com/view/stomach-preserving-surgery-may-improve-early-gastric-cancer-outcomes
Related Content: