Types of Tumors

• Stomach cancer tumors can be benign, also called non-cancerous, or malignant, also called cancerous. Tumors can metastasize to other tissues and organs, causing damage.
  
  

Symptoms

• Symptoms of stomach cancer include discomfort in the stomach area, feeling full or bloated after a small meal, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Clear symptoms aren't always detectable in the early stages of stomach cancer.
  
  

Physical Examination

• The first step toward diagnosing stomach cancer is a physical exam to look for the presence of symptoms and blood tests. You physician will discuss with you any additional testing that is indicated for your situation.
  
  

Diagnostic Testing

• Testing to diagnose stomach cancer includes an upper GI series, which involves drinking a solution and taking x-rays; endoscopy, which allows the physician to see your stomach via a lighted tube with a camera on the end; and a biopsy, which is the only definite way to determine if cancer cells are present.
  
  

Treatment

• Stomach cancer is treated with surgery to remove part of or the entire stomach, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Cancer cells are killed with chemotherapy by using drugs and with radiation therapy by using high-energy rays.