Stomach Cancer Types

There are a number of stomach cancer types. These different types of stomach cancer are characterized by the specific cell types in the stomach that give rise to the cancer and the pathology of the cancer cells. Some forms are very rare while others account for the majority of stomach tumors.

The reason understanding the different types of stomach cancer is important is that the prognosis and the recommended treatment may depend heavily on the specific type. In addition to type, the stage of the cancer, how advanced and invasive it is in the body, also greatly impacts the treatment options and the prognosis.

Stomach Cancer Types

• Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma is a general term for cancers which arise from glandular tissues. When cancer arises from the glandular cells in the mucosal lining of the stomach, these tumors are called adenocarcinoma. These cells normally secrete mucus that lubricates and protects the stomach from digestive enzymes and stomach acid. These are the most common type of stomach cancer, accounting for more than 90% of all stomach cancers. There are several sub-types of adenocarcinoma which have slightly different cellular pathology and/or gross appearances and behavior.
• Lymphoma: Lymphomas are cancers which arise from immune system cells. They most commonly arise from lymph nodes in various locations in the body. However, there is a small amount of immune cells in the wall of the stomach and these can form lymphomas as well. These primary stomach lymphomas are relatively rare.
• Carcinoid Tumor: Carcinoid cancers are tumors which arise from hormone-producing cells in the gastrointestinal tract, including in the stomach. These are also rare stomach cancer types.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST): Most of the digestive tract has nervous system cells in its wall. This "enteric nervous system" is important for coordinating many of the functions of the digestive system. These nervous system cells can give rise to tumors, including in the stomach. This is a very rare form of cancer in the stomach.