Stomach Cancer

Stomach Cancer - Cancer that begins in the stomach. Part of the gastrointestinal (digestive) system, the stomach is a sac-like organ that holds food for digestion. It is located in the upper abdomen, between the esophagus and the small intestine. Most stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas, and develop from cells lining the mucosa (innermost layer of the stomach). Other tumors found in the stomach include lymphomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (often called GIST), and carcinoid tumors. Stomach cancer occurs mostly in adults over 50 years of age. The disease has been linked to smoking, infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, and diets high in salty, smoked and pickled foods. Also called gastric cancer. 

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