Stomach Cancer
Cancer that develops in the lining of the stomach. Most stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas.
Gastrointestinal Oncology
Stomach & Abdominal Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Specialised gastrointestinal cancer care for stomach and abdominal cancers, with treatment plans tailored to the location, type and stage of the disease.
Overview
What Is Stomach & Abdominal Cancer?
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, develops when abnormal cells in the stomach grow uncontrollably. Abdominal cancer is a broader term that can refer to cancers arising in organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, small intestine and other abdominal structures. Because these cancers differ in their biology and treatment, identifying the exact origin of the cancer is an important first step.
Stomach and abdominal cancers can involve different organs and may require complex surgical and multidisciplinary care. At SSO Hospitals, our gastrointestinal and surgical oncology specialists evaluate the cancer’s location, stage, extent and relationship with surrounding organs before recommending treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or a combination of approaches.
How It Starts:
- Abnormal Cell Changes: Changes within cells of the stomach or another abdominal organ can cause abnormal growth.
- Tumour Formation: Abnormal cells may multiply and form a tumour in the affected organ.
- Local Growth: The tumour may grow into deeper layers of the affected organ or surrounding tissues.
- Lymph Node Involvement: Cancer cells can spread to nearby lymph nodes as the disease progresses.
- Distant Spread: Advanced disease may spread to distant organs or structures, depending on the cancer type.
Symptoms
Stomach & Abdominal Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on which abdominal organ is affected. Early stomach or abdominal cancers may cause few or non-specific symptoms, which can sometimes be mistaken for common digestive problems.
Clinical picture
Stages, types and how we diagnose
Cancer staging describes how far the cancer has grown and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. Staging systems differ between stomach, colorectal, pancreatic, liver and other abdominal cancers. Your doctor uses imaging, biopsy, surgical findings and pathology to determine the extent of disease.
IStage
Stage I
The cancer is generally limited to the organ where it began and has not spread extensively to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.
IIStage
Stage II
The cancer may have grown deeper into the affected organ or involved certain nearby structures, depending on the cancer type.
IIIStage
Stage III
The cancer is more locally advanced and may involve regional lymph nodes or surrounding tissues.
IVStage
Stage IV
The cancer has spread to distant organs or sites. Treatment may focus on controlling the disease, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life, with the specific approach depending on the cancer type.
These stages are a simplified overview. Each abdominal cancer has its own staging system, and the meaning of a particular stage can differ between cancer types.
Several different cancers can develop in the stomach and abdomen. Accurate diagnosis is essential because each cancer type may require a different treatment strategy.
Colon Cancer
Cancer that develops in the large intestine. It is part of the broader group of colorectal cancers.
Rectal Cancer
Cancer that develops in the rectum and may require specialised colorectal treatment planning.
Pancreatic Cancer
Cancer arising in the pancreas, an organ located deep within the abdomen.
Liver Cancer
Primary liver cancers originate in the liver, while cancers from other organs can also spread to the liver.
Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer
Cancers can develop in the gallbladder or bile ducts and may require specialised hepatobiliary treatment.
Small Intestinal Cancer
Rare cancers can develop in the small intestine and require treatment according to their specific pathology.
Peritoneal Cancer
Cancer involving the peritoneum may arise primarily or develop when another abdominal cancer spreads to the peritoneal lining.
Diagnosis begins with a clinical assessment and depends on the symptoms and organ involved. Tests may include blood investigations, imaging, endoscopy and tissue biopsy. Once cancer is confirmed, additional investigations may be performed to determine its stage and biological characteristics.
Clinical Assessment
Your doctor reviews your symptoms, medical history, family history, previous investigations and physical findings.
Blood Tests
Blood investigations may assess general health, organ function and, in selected cases, tumour markers.
Endoscopy
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may be used to examine the oesophagus and stomach and obtain tissue samples from suspicious areas.
Colonoscopy
When colorectal cancer is suspected, colonoscopy can examine the colon and rectum and allow suspicious tissue or polyps to be sampled.
CT / MRI
Cross-sectional imaging can help identify the tumour, assess nearby structures and determine whether the disease has spread.
PET-CT
PET-CT may be recommended for selected cancers to assess metabolically active disease and evaluate possible spread.
Biopsy
A tissue sample is examined by a pathologist to establish the cancer type and relevant characteristics.
Molecular / Biomarker Testing
Certain gastrointestinal cancers may undergo biomarker or molecular testing to help guide targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
Not every patient requires every investigation. The diagnostic pathway is determined by the suspected cancer, symptoms, imaging findings and individual clinical circumstances.
Risk & treatment
Stomach & Abdominal Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
Risk factors vary considerably depending on the type of cancer. Some factors increase the likelihood of stomach cancer, while others are associated with specific abdominal cancers. Having a risk factor does not mean that a person will develop cancer.
Helicobacter pylori Infection
Long-term infection with H. pylori can cause chronic inflammation of the stomach lining and increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Smoking: Tobacco use increases the risk of several cancers
including stomach cancer and colorectal cancer.
Family History
A family history of stomach or colorectal cancer can increase an individual's risk, particularly when multiple close relatives are affected or cancer occurs at a younger age.
Certain Inherited Conditions
Genetic syndromes can increase the risk of particular gastrointestinal cancers.
Chronic Stomach Conditions
Certain long-standing conditions affecting the stomach lining may increase stomach cancer risk.
Dietary Factors
Diets high in certain preserved, smoked or heavily salted foods have been associated with increased stomach cancer risk.
Obesity and Metabolic Factors
Excess body weight and metabolic conditions are associated with increased risk of several cancers, including some gastrointestinal cancers.
Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol use is associated with increased risk of several cancers.
Stomach & Abdominal Cancer Treatment
Treatment depends on the specific cancer, its stage, location, biological characteristics and the patient's overall health. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or a combination of approaches.
Stomach & Abdominal Cancer Treatment
Stomach Cancer Surgery
Surgery is an important treatment option for selected localised and locally advanced stomach cancers. Depending on the tumour's location and extent, surgery may involve removing part of the stomach or the entire stomach, along with assessment or removal of nearby lymph nodes.
Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery
For appropriately selected patients, some gastrointestinal cancer procedures can be performed using laparoscopic or robotic techniques. These approaches use smaller incisions and specialised instruments, but suitability depends on tumour location, stage, anatomy and the procedure required.
Chemotherapy & Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy may be given before surgery, after surgery or as the primary treatment depending on the cancer and stage. Radiation therapy may also be used for selected stomach and abdominal cancers, either alone or in combination with other treatments.
Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
Some gastrointestinal cancers have specific molecular or biomarker characteristics that can make targeted medicines or immunotherapy appropriate. Testing of the tumour may therefore form part of treatment planning for selected patients.
Cytoreductive Surgery & HIPEC
When certain abdominal cancers have spread to the lining of the abdomen, selected patients may be evaluated for cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This highly specialised treatment involves removing visible tumour deposits from the abdominal cavity followed by circulation of heated chemotherapy within the abdomen. It is appropriate only for carefully selected patients after detailed assessment.
There is no single treatment approach for stomach or abdominal cancer. Your treatment plan is determined after assessing the cancer type, stage, imaging, pathology, overall health and other individual factors.
Why SSO?
Why Choose SSO Hospitals for Stomach & Abdominal Cancer Treatment?
Complex abdominal cancers require careful surgical planning because multiple organs, blood vessels and other vital structures can be involved. At SSO Hospitals, our gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary surgical oncologists focus on complex cancers of the abdomen and develop treatment plans according to the individual patient.
- Gastrointestinal Oncology Expertise: Our specialists focus on cancers affecting the digestive system and abdominal organs.
- Complex Cancer Surgery: Selected patients may be evaluated for complex gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary and pancreatic procedures.
- Minimally Invasive Approaches: Laparoscopic and robotic techniques may be considered for appropriately selected cancer procedures.
- Advanced Peritoneal Cancer Treatment: Selected patients with peritoneal disease may be evaluated for cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.
- Multidisciplinary Treatment Planning: Surgical oncology may be coordinated with medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, interventional radiology and other specialists.
- Personalised Treatment: Treatment recommendations are based on the cancer's origin, stage, pathology, imaging and the patient's overall health.
Our specialists
Consult Our Gastrointestinal Cancer Specialists
Connect with our gastrointestinal and surgical oncology specialists for evaluation, treatment planning and surgical opinions for stomach and abdominal cancers.
21+ YrsDr. Sanket Mehta
Gastrointestinal Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery · HIPEC · PIPAC
SSO Cancer Hospital Ghatkopar West, Charni Road & SRCC
35+ YrsDr. Kamran A. Khan
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · GI & Colorectal Cancer · Robotic Oncologic Surgery · Organ-Preserving Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery · Minimal Access Gynaecological Oncology
Saifee Hospital · SSO Cancer Hospital Charni Road
35+ Yrs
25+ YrsDr. Chetan Anchan
Bone Tumours · Soft Tissue Tumours · Sarcoma Surgery · Musculoskeletal Oncology · Skeletal Metastases
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
21+ Yrs
20+ YrsDr. Nilesh Chordiya
GI Oncology · Colorectal Cancer Surgery · Gynaecological Cancer Surgery · Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Thane
18+ YrsDr. Kant Shah
Paediatric Cancer Surgery · Paediatric Robotic Surgery · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery · Paediatric Hepatobiliary Surgery · Paediatric Urology · Minimally Invasive Paediatric Surgery
SRCC, Mumbai
16+ YrsDr. Jay Anam
Breast Cancer · Breast Cancer Surgery · Breast Conservation Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
16+ YrsDr. Praveen Kammar
GI Oncology · Colorectal Cancer · Gynaecological Oncology · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Robotic & Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West & Ghatkopar West
14+ YrsDr. Shrikant Atluri
Uro-Oncology · Robotic Urologic Surgery · Kidney Cancer · Bladder Cancer · Prostate Cancer · Genitourinary Cancers
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
13+ YrsDr. Amit Chakraborty
Head & Neck Cancer · Oral Cancer · Tongue Cancer · Laryngeal Cancer · Thyroid Cancer · Salivary Gland Cancer
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
13+ YrsDr. Niharika Garach
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery · HIPEC · PIPAC
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
13+ YrsDr. Vivek Sukumar
GI Oncology · Colorectal Oncology · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Minimally Invasive GI & Colorectal Oncology
SSO Cancer Hospital, Vashi
10+ YrsDr. Jitesh Rajpurohit
Thoracic Oncology · Lung Cancer · Oesophageal Cancer · Mediastinal Tumours · Chest Wall Tumours · VATS Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
9+ YrsDr. Kaival K. Gundavda
GI Oncology · HPB Oncology · Liver Cancer · Pancreatic Cancer · Biliary Cancers · Robotic & Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West · Ghatkopar West · Charni Road
8+ YrsDr. Veeresh Kumar Ireddy
Robotic Surgery · Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery · GI & HPB Oncology · Breast Oncology · Thoracic Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery & HIPEC
SSO Cancer Hospital, Belagavi
8+ Yrs
7+ YrsDr. Shirish Patil
Head & Neck Oncology · Skull Base Surgery · Organ-Preserving Cancer Surgery · Microvascular Reconstruction
SSO Cancer Hospital, Belagavi
7+ YrsDr. Deep Gala
Blood Disorders · Blood Cancers · Leukemia · Lymphoma · Multiple Myeloma · Bone Marrow Transplantation · Cellular Therapy · Immunotherapy
SSO Cancer Hospital Andheri West · Borivali · SRCC
7+ Yrs
6+ YrsDr. Imaan Rumani
Breast Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Breast-Conserving Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery · Minimal Access Surgery · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · HIPEC · S-LYMPHA
SSO Cancer Hospital, Thane
6+ Yrs
5+ YrsDr. Anuj Suketu Shah
Gastrointestinal Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · Peritoneal Surface Malignancies · HPB Surgery · Minimally Invasive Oncology · CRS · HIPEC · PIPAC
EPIC Hospital, Ahmedabad
4+ Yrs
4+ YrsDr. Vijay Tiwari
Head & Neck Oncology · Oral Cancer Surgery · Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery · Laryngeal & Pharyngeal Cancer Surgery · Reconstructive Oncology · Maxillofacial & Craniofacial Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
4+ YrsDr. Krishnanunni Nair
Oral Cancer Surgery · Head & Neck Surgical Oncology · Jaw Tumour Surgery · Salivary Gland Tumour Surgery · Maxillofacial Reconstruction
SSO Cancer Hospital, Vashi & White Lotus International Hospital, Navi Mumbai
3+ YrsDr. Sayed Aafreen Jamal Nasir
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancers · Peritoneal Surface Malignancies
SSO Cancer Hospital Andheri · Borivali
Symptoms can include persistent indigestion, abdominal discomfort, feeling full quickly, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, nausea or vomiting, difficulty swallowing and gastrointestinal bleeding. These symptoms can have many other causes, so persistent symptoms should be evaluated.
Diagnosis may involve an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy, blood tests and imaging such as CT scans. Additional tests may be performed to determine the stage and biological characteristics of the cancer.
A gastrectomy is surgery to remove part or all of the stomach. A partial gastrectomy removes part of the stomach, while a total gastrectomy removes the entire stomach. The procedure recommended depends on the location and extent of the cancer.
HIPEC stands for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. It involves delivering heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity after cytoreductive surgery. It may be considered for selected patients with certain cancers that have spread to the peritoneal surface.
Consider specialist evaluation if you have persistent digestive symptoms, unexplained weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting or an abnormal scan or endoscopy. A specialist can determine which investigations are appropriate.
Stomach cancer specifically refers to cancer originating in the stomach. Abdominal cancer is a broader term that can refer to cancers originating in several organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, colon, pancreas, liver, gallbladder and other structures.
Treatment depends on the stage and characteristics of the cancer. It may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or combinations of these treatments.
Selected stomach cancer operations can be performed using minimally invasive or robotic techniques. Suitability depends on the tumour, stage, anatomy and specific operation required.
Not all cases can be prevented. Risk reduction may include avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, addressing H. pylori infection when appropriate and following recommended screening and surveillance based on individual risk.
Google reviews
What our patients say about us
Unedited words from patients and families, straight from our review pages.
4.8800+ Google reviews
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
Care, close to home
Nine centres across Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Belagavi. Pick what's closest and we'll match you to the right surgeon there.
SSO Ghatkopar
HospitalSilver Point, 7th Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology Hospital and Research Centre, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Kasturi Park, Maneklal Estate, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400086
089768 97203
SSO Thane
HospitalFirst Floor, Surgical Speciality Oncology Hospital, Highland Sky Arcade, Shop F, 11A and F-12, Naupada, Thane West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400602
089768 97203
SSO Hospital Andheri
Hospital2nd Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology, New Link Rd, above Bellevue Hospital, next to Audi Showroom, Sahakar Nagar, Azad Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
089768 97201
SSO Chembur
Clinic6th floor, Business Point, Ramakrishna Chemburkar Marg, near Savla Hospital, Chembur Gaothan, Kurla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071
089768 97201
SSO Vashi
ClinicNo. 51, Shanti Center Building, 4th floor, Clinic, above Parichay Hotel, Sector 17, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400703
082688 80185
SSO Charni Road
Clinic9th Floor, Mehta Mahal, 9 B, Shrimad Rajchandraji Marg, Charni Road East, Opera House, Girgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
089768 97201
SRCC
HospitalNh Srcc Children's Hospital, 1-1A, Keshavrao Khadye Marg, Haji Ali, Haji Ali Government Colony, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
089768 97201
Belagavi
Hospital9666A-2/D, behind BUDA Office, Ashok Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Belgavi, Karnataka 590016
8976897201
Ahmedabad
Hospitalopp. Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Auditorium Hall, behind Rajpath Rangoli Road, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380054, India
089768 97201
