Stomach Cancer

Hearing you have stomach cancer is never easy. But it’s important to know exactly what is wrong. That way, your doctors can make a plan to help you feel better.

At Siteman, we understand what you’re going through. We’ll ensure that you have an accurate diagnosis, all while treating you with respect and dignity.

You don’t need a referral to come to Siteman. You can make an appointment with us yourself. Many patients come to Siteman for a second opinion.

The First Step in a Stomach Cancer Diagnosis

Most patients with stomach cancer (adenocarcinoma) don’t feel well. They make an appointment with their primary care physician to learn what is wrong.

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Sometimes, the symptoms of stomach cancer can be vague. Other times, they can be difficult to ignore. If you notice any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor:

• Losing weight without trying
• Belly pain
• Feeling tired
• Having trouble swallowing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Not feeling hungry
• Feeling bloated or full after eating only a small amount
• Black-colored stools

Why Choose Siteman

At Siteman Cancer Center, WashU Medicine physicians are experts at diagnosing stomach cancer accurately, the first time.

When you come to Siteman, WashU Medicine physicians will study your tumor. They will take samples of the cells and look at them under a microscope. They will test your tumor to see if it has any unique genetic features. They are thorough, careful, and compassionate.

What to Expect During a Stomach Cancer Diagnosis

If you suspect or have been told you have stomach cancer, WashU Medicine physicians will ask you to have a number of tests. These tests look closely at the stomach and the tissues around it.

At Siteman, we understand that many patients feel anxious about having medical tests. This is a normal feeling. If there is anything you need to feel safe or comfortable, please let us know. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Tests used to diagnose stomach cancer include:

• Physical exam: The doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms. They will also feel your belly and check your heart rate and blood pressure. Depending on what they find, they may recommend further testing.
• Blood tests: A blood test can’t prove whether or not you have stomach cancer. But it can provide important information. If a blood test shows that you don’t have enough red blood cells (anemia), for example, that could be a sign that you are bleeding somewhere inside your body. Stomach tumors can cause this type of bleeding.
• Endoscopic ultrasound: An endoscopic ultrasound is a procedure to look at the lining of the stomach. You’ll get medicine to make you sleep. Then, your doctors will place a tube down your throat with a tiny ultrasound probe on the end of it. The probe will use sound waves to take pictures of the lining of your stomach as well as the surrounding tissues.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a test of a tissue sample. If your doctors identify a tumor in your stomach, they will collect a sample of cells so they can be examined under a microscope for signs of cancer. You can have a biopsy at the same time as an endoscopic ultrasound.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests take pictures of the inside of your body. These include CT scans and PET scans. They can show where the tumor is in your stomach. They can also show if stomach cancer has started to spread to other organs.
• Laparoscopy: A laparoscopy is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. While you are asleep, your doctor will make several small incisions in your belly. They will put a tiny camera through the incisions and look at the inside of your stomach. They can also collect tissue samples (biopsy).

Laparoscopies are essential for getting an accurate, detailed diagnosis of stomach cancer. But not all cancer centers do them. At Siteman, we will make sure you get the thorough diagnosis you need.

Staging Stomach Cancer

If you are diagnosed with stomach cancer, your WashU Medicine physicians will find out how far the cancer has spread. This is called “staging” the cancer. It helps your care team develop the right treatment plan for you.

There are five stages of stomach cancer, 0-4 (IV). Stage 0 stomach cancer has not spread beyond the site of the first abnormal cells. By Stage 4 (IV), stomach cancer has spread to other organs around the body.