Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, develops in the cells of the stomach lining. There are several types, but the most common is called adenocarcinoma. Nearly two-thirds of the people who develop stomach cancer are over the age of 65.

Stomach cancer: Symptoms

• Early stages of stomach cancer may not cause symptoms, making detection difficult. Some later warning signs include poor appetite, belly pain, weight loss, heartburn or indigestion and nausea.
• Because these types of symptoms can often relate to other less serious ailments, people may not recognize them as critical and delay seeing a physician.

Stomach cancer: Diagnosis

Doctors often diagnose stomach cancer with a physical exam, blood and imaging tests, and a stool test for blood in the stool. If there is an indication of stomach cancer, you will likely be referred to a gastroenterologist who specializes in treating diseases of digestive tract. Further testing may include an endoscopy to examine the stomach tissue and take a biopsy.

Why choose UF Health Jacksonville

Many specialists, one goal

• At UF Health Jacksonville Cancer Center, our highly trained gastrointestinal oncologists and surgeons are part of a multidisciplinary team of physicians who work together with one goal in mind — to design a treatment plan that will provide you with the best possible outcome.

• They are leaders in their field who have tremendous experience in diagnosing, treating and managing cancers of the digestive system.

Advanced treatments and facilities

• As a part of a leading academic medical institution, our team has access to the most advanced research-based techniques available. They will incorpate these options into an individualized plan that may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.

• In addition, state-of-the-art treatment for stomach cancer is also available at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, located on the UF Health Jacksonville campus.