Cancers of the stomach and esophagus
Gastric and esophageal cancers affect parts of the digestive system, which is responsible for transforming the food we eat into the energy we need to live and grow. Gastric cancer — also known as stomach cancer — begins in the cells that line the stomach. These cells start out as polyps or ulcers and may not cause symptoms in early stages.
Esophageal cancer affects the esophagus, a long tube that extends from the throat all the way to the stomach. There are two types of esophageal cancer:
Squamous cell carcinoma. Starting in the cells that line the esophagus, this form of cancer typically occurs in the upper part of the esophagus (neck region).
Adenocarcinoma. This type of cancer originates in the gland cells that make mucus and is more often found in the lower part of the esophagus.
Early stages of esophageal and stomach cancers may not cause symptoms. However common symptoms of each condition include the following:
Gastric cancer symptoms
- Anemia
- Bloating
- Difficulty swallowing
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting blood or blood in the stool
- Weakness and fatigue
- Weight loss
Esophageal cancer symptoms
- Trouble swallowing
- Bleeding into the esophagus, which may turn stool black and lead to anemia, which can then cause fatigue
- Chest pain
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Diagnosing and treating esophageal and gastric cancers
Treatment for these cancers depends on several factors, including where the cancer is located, its size and the extent to which it has spread. Treatment may involve surgical removal of portions of the stomach or esophagus. Your treatment plan may also include nonsurgical approaches, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy.
At MultiCare, your treatment team may include specialists such as gastroesophageal surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. Together, you will create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve the best possible outcome and quality of life. Learn more about cancer treatment at MultiCare.
Risk factors and prevention
Esophageal and stomach cancers have several risk factors in common. For example, these cancers are more likely to be diagnosed in men than women. Other shared risk factors include:
- Age (65 and older for gastric cancer and 55 and older for esophageal cancer)
- Smoking or tobacco use
- A diet rich in processed foods and lacking fruits and vegetables
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Sedentary lifestyle
Risk factors specific to gastric cancer
- Certain medical conditions, such as
- Acid reflux
- Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection (a form of bacteria that can grow in the stomach)
- Ethnicity, including African American, Asian, Hispanic or Pacific Islander
Risk factors specific to esophageal cancer
- Certain medical conditions, such as
- Achalasia
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Obesity
- Plummer-Vinson syndrome
- Tylosis