Stomach cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a cell growth that begins in the stomach. The stomach is located in the upper middle part of the abdomen, below the ribs. The stomach helps to break down and digest food.
Gastric cancer can occur anywhere in the stomach. In most of the world, stomach cancer occurs in the central part of the stomach. This part is called the body of the stomach.
In the United States, stomach cancer begins in the area of the gastroesophageal junction. This is where the long tube through which the food you swallow enters the stomach. The tube through which food enters the stomach is called the esophagus.
The location of your stomach cancer is one factor that health care providers consider when planning treatment. Other factors may include the stage of the cancer and the type of cells. Treatment usually includes surgery to remove the stomach tumor. Other treatments may be used before or after surgery.
Treatment for stomach cancer is more likely to be successful if the tumor is only in the stomach. The prognosis for people with small stomach cancers is quite favorable. Many people can expect to be cured. In most cases, gastric cancer is diagnosed when the disease is at a late stage and the chances of recovery are slim. Gastric cancer that has spread through the stomach wall or to other parts of the body is more difficult to treat.