Identifying and Treating Stomach Cancer Types in Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey

The type of stomach cancer – along with its location in the stomach and progression – determines how oncologists plan treatment. At Regional Cancer Care Associates in Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey, our team of experts offers patient-centered treatment plans to help patients overcome all types of stomach cancer.

Types of Stomach Cancer

Each stomach cancer type is named based on its behavior and point of origin, and each requires a slightly different treatment regimen. These stomach cancer types include:

Adenocarcinoma

By far the most common type, approximately 90% to 95% of stomach cancers are classified as adenocarcinoma. These kinds of cancer cells develop from the innermost lining of the stomach, called the mucosa.

Lymphoma

These cancers of immune system tissue can sometimes be found in the stomach wall. The type of lymphoma will determine the outlook and treatment options.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Known as a GIST, this rare type begins in young forms of stomach wall cells, which are called interstitial cells of Cajal. A GIST may be found anywhere in the digestive tract, though most are found in the stomach. GISTs, however, are not always cancerous.

Carcinoid Tumor

This sort of tumor begins in hormone-making cells of the stomach. Most of the time, these slow-growing tumors do not spread to other organs.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Also called SCC, this extremely rare form of stomach cancer arises from the stomach’s mucous membrane, which is responsible for protecting against acid. SCC is most often seen in the upper third of the stomach and rarely spreads to other organs. In most cases, however, SCC is diagnosed in its late stages, so its prognosis is poor.

Small-Cell Carcinoma

Most small-cell carcinomas appear in the lungs and are only rarely seen in the stomach. Like squamous cell carcinoma, it arises from the mucosa and has a poor prognosis.

Leiomyosarcoma

This type of tumor affects the stomach’s smooth muscle tissue. It can also spread elsewhere in the abdomen and even to the uterus, blood vessels, and skin. Leiomyosarcomas are commonly mistaken for other types of tumors, making diagnosis difficult.

Stages of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is also defined by its stage, or progression, as well as its location in the stomach. The stages of stomach cancer include:

• Stage 0: Cancer cells only affect the mucosa’s top layers. They have not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
• Stage I: Cancer cells affect the layers found immediately below the mucosa, or they may affect a few lymph nodes in the stomach.
• Stage II: Cancer cells have spread to even deeper layers of the stomach wall or several lymph nodes within the stomach.
• Stage III: Cancer cells have spread through the stomach’s entire wall and may affect nearby lymph nodes, as well. They have not yet spread to distant sites.
• Stage IV: Cancer cells may be present in any layer in the stomach wall and may have spread to lymph nodes. The tumor also begins to spread to other organs.

Get Stomach Cancer Treatment in CT, MD, and NJ

When it comes to diagnosing and treating all types of stomach cancer, Regional Cancer Care Associates is here to provide you or your loved one with the best care available. Serving Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey, we are committed to a patient-first philosophy and providing the best treatments and technologies available. For more information, contact us today.