gastric cancercommonly known as stomach cancerIt is a complex disease that manifests in different forms. It’s more than just a medical term – it’s a condition that demands awareness and understanding. Knowing the different types of gastric cancer and their distinguishing characteristics can empower patients, caregivers, and those at risk to take proactive steps.

By recognizing early warning signs and exploring available treatments, individuals can improve outcomes and meet this challenging diagnosis with confidence. We speak to Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, Senior Director, Medical Oncology, BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, to get a detailed overview of the primary types and what you need to know about each.

Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of gastric cancer that arises from glandular cells of the stomach lining, which produce mucus and digestive fluid.

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This type accounts for 90–95% of colon cancers and is strongly linked to chronic inflammation. H. pylori infectionSmoking, and a diet rich in salty or smoked foods. Patients with this type often present with non-specific symptoms such as dyspepsia, nausea, weight loss, and early satiety, which may delay diagnosis. High-risk individuals should be screened periodically to optimize early treatment outcomes.

Stomach lymphoma is an uncommon type of cancer that originates in the lymph tissue of the stomach. Among the subtypes, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is the most common.

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The type of cancer is strongly linked to H. pylori infection which causes persistent inflammation of the stomach lining. Symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, fatigue and weight loss. Early diagnosis of the disease is really important because some types can be treated well with antibiotics that target H. pylori, potentially eliminating the need for invasive treatments.

GIST is a rare tumor that originates in the interstitial cells of Cajal, which are responsible for controlling the movement of food through the digestive tract.

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GISTs are often caused by mutations in the KIT or PDGFRA genes. gastrointestinal bleeding, AnaemiaAnd abdominal pain may also be a sign, although most occur as incidental findings. Targeted treatments, including imatinib (Gleevec), are used to stop tumor growth, and larger tumors may require surgery. Early diagnosis is the best way for effective management of these tumors.

Carcinoid tumors, also called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), come from hormone-producing cells in the lining of the stomach and grow slowly.

what you should Know:

These tumors are often associated with conditions such as chronic atrophic gastritis or Zollinger–Ellison syndrome. Symptoms may be limited mostly to abdominal pain, redness, and diarrhea, and possibly no symptoms at all. Surgery may be effective for localized forms; Extended cases may require hormone therapy or targeted treatments. Regular monitoring is necessary to manage their progress.

Dr. Rajpurohit says that each cancer has its own unique symptoms and risk factors, early identification of which can significantly impact treatment. “Early detection not only improves survival rates but also provides less invasive treatment options, reducing the physical and emotional toll on patients,” he says.

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