Why Choose Us for Stomach Cancer Care
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, you receive expert, multidisciplinary care for stomach, or gastric, cancer. Your care team may include surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, and supportive care specialists. We work together to create a treatment plan that’s personalized to your diagnosis and focused on your needs and goals.
We care for all types of gastric cancer, including adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and rarer subtypes. You also have access to the latest advances in surgery, systemic therapy, radiation, and clinical trials.
“My care team goes above and beyond to help me feel listened to."
—Stomach Cancer Patient
Treatments We Offer
Treatment depends on your cancer stage, location, and overall health. These are common options:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Combined approaches using multiple modalities
Our Expertise
As the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center serving the Mountain West, we’re here to offer you the latest treatments and the highest level of care available, including expertise in the following:
- Coordination of care across specialties through multidisciplinary tumor boards, or teams of health care specialists
- Treatment of all types of stomach cancer, including adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and neuroendocrine tumors
- Integration of clinical trials and research into care
Patient Care Philosophy
We believe no one should face cancer alone. Our dedicated and world-renowned doctors, nurses, and medical staff are at the forefront of patient-centered care. We treat the whole person, not just their cancer.
Each day, our medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists work together across disciplines to create and coordinate treatment plans for every patient. We understand cancer is a complex disease. That is why we use a team approach that includes social workers and support groups, as well as wellness and integrative health services such as acupuncture, massage, creative arts, and more.
Find a Stomach Cancer Doctor
Stomach Cancer Research
Our research teams are working to improve treatment for gastric cancer by studying new systemic therapies, radiation strategies, and surgical innovations. Through clinical trials, we explore options that may lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
By participating, you play an active role in advancing care and helping others facing the same diagnosis.
Interested in learning more? Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial could be right for you.
Clinical Trials
Make an Appointment with a Stomach Cancer Specialist
To make an appointment with a stomach cancer specialist, fill out our appointment form or call 801-587-7000. Our team will determine if your insurance covers treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute or if you need a referral from a primary care doctor.
External providers can refer a patient using the online referral form or by calling 801-587-7000 to speak to a patient registration specialist.
Stomach Cancer Basics
Stomach cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the stomach.
These are warning signs of stomach cancer:
- Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Fluid buildup in the abdomen
- Blood in stool
- Nausea, vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Indigestion, stomach pain, heartburn
- Loss of appetite, feeling full quickly after eating
Many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. If you are experiencing any concerning signs, schedule a screening today.
These are risk factors for stomach cancer:
- Smoking
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
- Chronic inflammation of the stomach lining
- Pernicious anemia
- Intestinal metaplasia, when the cells in the stomach lining change into the tissues that line the intestines
- A family history of stomach cancer
- Diets high in salted, smoked, or poorly stored foods
- Being overweight
- Prior partial gastrectomy, or removal of the stomach
Understand your risk. Schedule a genetic counseling session today.
Doctors may use the following to diagnose stomach cancer:
- Physical examination and medical history
- Laboratory tests
- Upper endoscopy with biopsy
- CT, MRI, or PET imaging to assess spread and staging
Staging describes how far the cancer has spread:
- Stage 0: Carcinoma in situ (confined to the inner lining)
- Stage 1 (1A, 1B): Tumor has invaded the gastric wall layers
- Stage 2 (2A, 2B): Deeper invasion and possibly regional lymph nodes
- Stage 3 (3A, 3B, 3C): Further spread through the stomach wall, to adjacent structures or nodes
- Stage 4: Metastatic disease, spread to distant organs such as liver, lungs, peritoneum
Staging helps guide treatment strategy. The most common type of stomach cancer is gastric adenocarcinoma, or cancer of the glandular cells, but other types such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors, neuroendocrine tumors, and squamous cell variants also occur, though they are less common.
Need help navigating your care? The Cancer Learning Center is here to support you with personalized guidance, resources, and answers to your questions.
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