Stomach Cancer

Overview

The stomach is a J-shaped, expandable, pouch-like organ in the upper abdomen, behind the liver and to the right of the spleen. The upper part of the stomach is connected to the esophagus and the lower part is connected to the small intestine. Acids and enzymes produced by the stomach help the body digest food. When food is partially digested, the stomach muscles move the food into the small intestine. The network of blood and lymph vessels that supply the stomach is the main reason that cancer of the stomach is likely to spread to other parts of the body.

Incidence

The American Cancer Society estimates that 21,500 cases of cancer of the stomach will be diagnosed in the United States in 2008.

Treatment

At RPCI, a multidisciplinary team works to provide optimal care to patient with stomach cancer. Surgery is the usual treatment. Radiation may be used to shrink tumors prior to surgery or to remove tumors that cannot be removed surgically. In some cases, chemotherapy is used after surgery.