Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, develops when cells in the lining of the stomach grow uncontrollably. It often develops slowly over several years, starting as precancerous changes that may go unnoticed.

At I D Cancer Center, Lucknow, we provide comprehensive evaluation, advanced diagnostics, modern radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and personalized treatment plans guided by an expert multidisciplinary team.

What Is Stomach Cancer?

Types of Stomach Cancer

Common Types

• Adenocarcinoma (most common)

• Gastroesophageal junction cancer

Rare Types

• Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)

• Neuroendocrine tumors

• Lymphoma of the stomach

Each type has a unique treatment approach at I D Cancer Center.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing stomach cancer:

• Long-standing H. pylori infection

• Smoking and tobacco use

• High salt or preserved food diet

• Family history of gastric cancer

• Chronic gastritis

• Pernicious anemia

• Obesity

• Previous stomach surgery

• Certain genetic syndromes

Common Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

• Persistent upper abdominal discomfort

• Loss of appetite

• Unexplained weight loss

• Nausea or vomiting

• Feeling full after small meals

• Indigestion or heartburn

• Vomiting blood or passing black stools (advanced cases)

• Fatigue or anemia

Any persistent digestive symptoms should be evaluated promptly.

Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer at I D Cancer Center

1. Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD) – Gold Standard

Allows direct visualization and biopsy of suspicious areas.

2. Biopsy & Pathology

Confirms cancer type and grade through microscopic evaluation.

3. Imaging Tests

• CT scan (chest, abdomen, pelvis)

• PET-CT (for staging & spread)

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) – determines depth & lymph node involvement

4. Blood Tests

• Hemoglobin

• Liver function tests

• Tumor markers (CEA, CA 19-9)

Accurate staging helps plan the best treatment.

Treatment Options at I D Cancer Center

Our multidisciplinary team creates personalized treatment plans based on cancer stage, location, and patient health.

1. Surgery (Main Treatment for Localized Cancer)

Types include:

• Subtotal gastrectomy (removal of part of the stomach)

• Total gastrectomy (removal of whole stomach)

• D2 lymph node dissection for proper staging

• Minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery (whenever possible)

Surgery aims to remove the tumor completely and prevent recurrence.

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used:

• Before surgery (neoadjuvant) – shrink tumor

• After surgery (adjuvant) – reduce recurrence

• For advanced or metastatic disease

3. Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is used to:

• Improve local control after surgery

• Reduce recurrence risk

• Treat inoperable or advanced disease

• Provide pain relief in metastatic cases

I D Cancer Center uses:

• IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy)

• IGRT (Image-Guided Radiotherapy)

• VMAT / Arc Therapy

• SBRT for selected metastatic lesions

4. Targeted Therapy

Effective for specific tumor types:

• Trastuzumab (HER2-positive cancers)

• Ramucirumab

• Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)

Targeted therapy attacks molecular pathways that support cancer growth.

5. Immunotherapy

For advanced and selected gastric cancers:

• Pembrolizumab

• Nivolumab

These boost the immune system to fight cancer more effectively.

6. Supportive Care

• Nutritional counseling

• Anemia management

• Pain control

• Psychological support

Holistic care improves quality of life during and after treatment.

Prognosis

Prognosis depends on:

• Stage at diagnosis

• Tumor biology

• Response to treatment

Early detection significantly improves survival rates.

Why Choose I D Cancer Center for Stomach Cancer Treatment?

• Advanced diagnostic imaging (CT, PET-CT, EUS)

• Modern radiotherapy: IMRT, VMAT, IGRT

• Expertise in gastrointestinal oncology

• Multidisciplinary tumor board planning

• Personalized treatment protocols

• Compassionate patient-centered environment

When to Consult an Oncologist?

Seek evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent upper abdominal pain

• Unexplained weight loss

• Recurrent vomiting

• Gastrointestinal bleeding

• Difficulty swallowing

• Early satiety (feeling full too soon)