4 Types of Stomach Cancers: Symptoms and Causes

by Aisha Kapoor Medical Laboratory Professional

The stomach plays an integral part in the digestive system. For this reason, its proper functioning is very essential for the survival of a human being. Cancer cells that develop in this organ can be a life-threatening condition, depending upon its advancement and severity. Along with this, patients who suffer from stomach cancer might develop malignant tumours in other parts of the body as well. As this type of cancer develops over several years in a patient’s stomach, precancerous cells (mostly in the lining) are the only way to determine this condition. However, some patients do not exhibit any changes or symptoms at all, hence, the diagnosis can be delayed.

Mentioned below are four types of stomach cancers along with their symptoms and possible causes:

1. Adenocarcinomas

One of the most commonly occurring stomach cancers in human beings is adenocarcinoma. This condition is known to develop in the inner lining of the stomach, also known as the mucosa. Patients suffering from this cancer experience nausea, bloating, heartburn and discomfort in the abdominal region. In some cases, unusual weight loss and lack of appetite have also been observed. Causes of adenocarcinoma are recurrent gastritis, polyps and an excessive amount of bacteria in the stomach. Lifestyle habits like smoking, obesity and exposure to certain chemicals have also caused this particular stomach cancer among patients.

2. Gastric Lymphoma

Lymphomas tend to occur in various organs of the body and the stomach is no exception to it. Known for drastically weakening the immune system of a patient, gastric lymphoma can be a fatal disease if not treated in time. Epigastric pain or inflammation of the central region of the abdomen is its first sign. Early satiety or feeling too full before a meal is completed can also indicate gastric lymphoma in a patient. As this type of cancer is very rare, its symptoms can be easily confused with other diseases developing in the stomach. Getting regular abdominal ultrasounds and blood test from a pathology lab is highly recommended for patients suffering from any of these symptoms.

3. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours

Another type of uncommon stomach cancer is gastrointestinal stromal tumours or GIST that occurs in the special cells (interstitial cells of Cajal) of the wall of the digestive tract. Bloody stool, bowel obstruction and recurrent pain while swallowing food are its first signs. While there are other symptoms experienced by patients with GIST such as fatigue, abdominal pain, feeling full after eating small meals, etc., the difference depends upon the size as well as the location of the tumour. Genetic mutations are one of the most common causes of GIST among patients, often related to the KIT protein production.

4. Carcinoid Tumours

As the slowest growing cancer in the digestive system, carcinoid cells generally mutate in the appendix, stomach, small intestine, colon or the rectum. The unique quality of this type of cancer is that it does not show any signs during the early stages. Thus, patients with carcinoid tumours in the stomach tend to experience symptoms such as chest pain, wheezing, diarrhoea, and sudden weight gain in the advanced or even last stages. While there are no known causes for carcinoid tumours, mutations in the cell’s DNA are often observed among patients with this condition. Family history plays a significant role as parents with carcinoid tumours might pass on the gene to their children.

Therefore, stomach cancers are serious health conditions that need immediate treatment upon diagnosis. Consulting an experienced oncologist is highly suggested who would prescribe regular health check-ups to monitor the advancement of cancer. A pathology lab that offers tests with online reports would also assist in speeding up the treatment of a patient.