Stomach cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the lining of the stomach wall. The cause of the condition is unknown, but factors that increase the risk of developing stomach cancer include infection with H. pylori bacteria; smoking; high alcohol consumption; a family history of the condition; certain disorders, such as pernicious anemia (a type of anemia caused by failure to absorb vitamin B12); and previous stomach surgery.
A diet high in salted, pickled, or smoked foods and low in fruit and vegetables may also increase the risk.
Early symptoms are often mild and vague.
They may include heartburn and stomach pain after eating, feeling full very quickly, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. In the later stages, there may be jaundice and bleeding from the stomach, which may result in vomiting up blood; black, tarry feces; and symptoms of anemia, such as breathlessness, tiredness, and pale skin.
Treatment is with surgery to remove part or all of the stomach, together with chemotherapy and sometimes radiation therapy.
Medication to relieve symptoms may also be given.
The outlook depends on factors such as the person’s age and general health and how advanced the cancer is when it is treated.