Published: Oct 15, 2022
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the stomach, most often in the lining of the stomach. As abnormal cancer cells grow, they may spread through the stomach wall and, in some cases, to other parts of the body.1
Early symptoms of stomach cancer can be easy to overlook because they often resemble common digestive conditions. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer, understanding the risk factors, and seeking a timely evaluation can help support an earlier cancer diagnosis and inform planning for alternative treatments for stomach cancer.
What Is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer develops when abnormal cells in the stomach grow uncontrollably. Most stomach cancer starts in the stomach, specifically in the lining of the stomach, and may grow into the stomach wall.1 As the disease progresses, cancer spreads in some patients to nearby tissues or other parts of the body.
Key facts about stomach cancer
- Most stomach cancer begins in the inner lining of the stomach (the mucosa)
- The most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma, accounting for approximately 90–95% of cases1
- As abnormal cancer cells grow, they can invade deeper layers of the stomach wall and surrounding tissues
- There are several cancer types that can develop within the stomach, and identifying the specific type of gastric cancer helps guide treatment planning
4 Types of Stomach Cancer
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of stomach cancer, accounting for approximately 90–95% of cases.1 It develops in the glandular cells that form the inner lining of the stomach and is divided into two primary subtypes:
- Intestinal adenocarcinoma – Often develops gradually and is more commonly associated with environmental and lifestyle risk factors
- Diffuse adenocarcinoma – This form develops when abnormal cells of the stomach spread through the stomach wall as scattered cells, making it more challenging to identify during an early stage
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are a rare type of gastric cancer that develops from specialized connective tissue cells found in the stomach wall. Although they most often start in the stomach, they can also occur elsewhere in the digestive tract.
Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)
Neuroendocrine tumors develop from hormone-producing and nerve-like cells in the digestive system. Their growth pattern varies, and treatment planning depends on the tumor’s characteristics and location.
Primary Gastric Lymphoma
Primary gastric lymphoma develops from immune cells located in the lining of the stomach wall. Although uncommon, it is another type of stomach cancer, and treatment recommendations are based on the extent of the cancer and the specific lymphoma subtype.
Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
The early signs of stomach cancer are often nonspecific and can easily be mistaken for indigestion, acid reflux, or other digestive concerns. If these symptoms of stomach cancer persist or become more frequent, they should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Stomach cancer symptoms vary depending on the stage or progression of the disease.2
Early Stomach Cancer Symptoms
There are a total of five stomach cancer stages. Often, early stomach cancer symptoms may go unnoticed as they mimic other , less severe conditions, such as the following3:
- Persistent indigestion or heartburn
- Feeling full after eating small amounts of food (early satiety)
- Loss of appetite
- Mild or recurring stomach pain or discomfort
- Bloating after meals
- Nausea
- Minor stomach aches that do not improve over time
While these symptoms include conditions that are often caused by noncancerous digestive disorders, ongoing or worsening symptoms warrant further evaluation to help detect stomach cancer or rule out other medical conditions.
Advanced Stomach Cancer Symptoms
As stomach cancer progresses, symptoms often become more noticeable and may affect daily activities and overall health. These changes can occur when the tumor grows deeper into the stomach wall or when cancer spreads to nearby tissues or distant organs.
Advanced stomach cancer symptoms may include3:
- Unexplained or rapid weight loss
- Persistent or worsening stomach pain
- Vomiting, sometimes with blood
- Difficulty swallowing, particularly if the tumor develops near the stomach and esophagus
- Fatigue or weakness
- Black, tarry stools caused by gastrointestinal bleeding
- Jaundice if the disease affects nearby organs
- A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen
Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have stomach cancer. However, persistent symptoms should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and whether additional testing is appropriate.
Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer
Although anyone can develop stomach cancer, researchers have identified several risk factors that may increase the likelihood of the disease.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean someone will develop cancer, and some people with stomach cancer have no known risk factors at all. However, understanding these factors can help individuals recognize their personal risk of developing stomach cancer.
Some of the most common are included here4,5:
Medical and inherited risk factors
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) – Long-term infection can damage the stomach lining and contribute to long-term stomach inflammation
- Family history of stomach cancer – Having a close relative with the disease may increase your risk
- Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer – these inherited cancer syndromes are associated with a higher lifetime risk
- Stomach polyps and certain chronic stomach conditions may also increase risk
Lifestyle risk factors
- Diets high in smoked, salted, or processed foods
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Low intake of fruits and vegetables
Other factors
- Being 65 or older
- Male sex (stomach cancer in men is more common than in women)
- Previous stomach surgery or chronic stomach conditions affecting the digestive tract
Because each abdominal organ has a unique structure and function, the cancers affecting them may exhibit distinct symptoms and require different treatments.4
How Is Stomach Cancer Diagnosed?
Because the symptoms of stomach cancer often resemble more common digestive conditions, diagnosing the disease may require several tests. A healthcare provider will typically begin by reviewing your medical history, current symptoms, family history of stomach cancer, and other risk factors before recommending further evaluation.
Diagnostic testing is performed to confirm a cancer diagnosis, identify the type of stomach cancer, and determine the extent of the cancer.
Common tests used to diagnose gastric cancer include6,7:
- Physical examination and medical history – A healthcare provider will review symptoms, risk factors, and overall health
- Upper endoscopy – A thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to examine the inner lining of the stomach for abnormal areas
- Biopsy – Small tissue samples are collected during endoscopy to determine whether cancer cells are present
- CT scan, MRI, or PET scan – Imaging studies help determine whether cancer spreads beyond the stomach or involves nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body
- Laboratory testing – Blood tests may be performed to evaluate overall health and support treatment planning
Once stomach cancer is confirmed, physicians determine the stage of the disease based on how deeply the tumor has grown into the stomach wall, whether lymph nodes are involved, and whether it has spread beyond the stomach. This information helps guide individualized treatment options for stomach cancer.
Can Stomach Cancer Be Detected Early?
There is currently no routine stomach cancer screening program for most people at average risk. However, individuals with certain inherited conditions, chronic Helicobacter pylori infection, or a strong family history of stomach cancer may benefit from closer medical monitoring.
Your healthcare provider may recommend additional evaluation if you have:
- Persistent digestive symptoms that do not improve
- Long-term stomach inflammation
- A history of stomach polyps
- Inherited cancer syndromes, including hereditary diffuse gastric cancer or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer
- Other medical conditions that increase the risk of developing stomach cancer
Although there is no standard cancer screening test for everyone, seeking medical evaluation for persistent symptoms may help detect stomach cancer earlier, when more treatment options for stomach cancer may be available.
When Should You Speak With a Doctor?
Many digestive conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of stomach cancer, making it difficult to determine the underlying cause without a medical evaluation. If you experience ongoing digestive changes that persist for several weeks or worsen over time, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider.
Consider scheduling an evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent indigestion or heartburn
- Ongoing bloating or feeling full after eating small meals
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent stomach pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting or blood in vomit
- Black or tarry stools
- Fatigue accompanied by digestive symptoms
Early evaluation allows healthcare providers to look for signs of digestive diseases, including stomach cancer, and recommend appropriate diagnostic testing based on your symptoms and medical history.
Immunity Therapy Clinic Can Help You Treat Stomach Cancer
At ITC, we believe stomach cancer treatment should address both the disease and the whole person. Our physicians develop personalized treatment programs that combine evidence-informed alternative treatments with nutritional and immune-focused therapies designed to target cancer cells while supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Every treatment plan is tailored to each patient’s diagnosis, overall health, and treatment goals.
ITC provides alternative treatments and natural pain relief for stomach cancer through individualized, holistic treatment programs that focus on addressing the disease while supporting overall wellness and quality of life. Depending on each patient’s needs, our physicians may recommend a combination of non-invasive and minimally invasive therapies designed to treat stomach cancer using a personalized approach.
Our Stomach Cancer Care Alternative Treatments
Following a comprehensive evaluation, your physician may recommend one or more stomach cancer treatments based on your individual diagnosis and health needs. Because no two cases of stomach cancer are the same, every treatment program is personalized.
Intratumoral Immunotherapy
Intratumoral immunotherapy delivers immune-based medications directly into the tumor rather than through systemic administration. By targeting the treatment to the tumor site, this approach is designed to help destroy cancer cells while limiting unnecessary exposure to healthy tissue. At ITC, intratumoral immunotherapy may be incorporated into individualized treatment programs for selected patients with stomach cancer.
Localized Hyperthermia Cancer Treatment
Localized hyperthermia cancer treatment is based on research that supports using high temperatures of 113 degrees to heat body tissue, subsequently killing cancer cells without injuring healthy tissue. Often combined with other types of treatment, localized hyperthermia targets a cancer cell’s proteins and other structures, resulting in smaller tumors.
Laser Cancer Treatment
Laser cancer treatment (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) uses a strong light beam to precisely target and penetrate cancerous tissue, effectively destroying it with minimal effects on the surrounding tissue. Our laser cancer treatment options also result in a less painful recovery.
Types of laser technologies may include:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Lasers – Commonly used to target abnormal tissue located on or near the surface, including certain early-stage cancers when clinically appropriate.
- Argon Lasers – Often used with photodynamic therapy, argon lasers seal blood vessels during radiation therapy and help prevent bleeding.
- Nd:YAG Lasers – Generate heat energy that penetrates deeper into tissue and may be used to target tumors located beneath the surface. Depending on the clinical situation, this technology may help kill cancer cells in localized areas.
The type of laser selected depends on the characteristics of the tumor and the patient’s individualized treatment plan.
Gerson Therapy
Nutrition is an important part of whole-person cancer care. ITC incorporates the principles of Gerson Therapy through individualized nutritional guidance emphasizing organic, plant-based foods, physician-selected supplements, and detoxification practices. Through Gerson Therapy cancer treatment, we develop a three-component regimen.
- Vegetarian diet
- Daily supplements
- Detoxification
The goal is to help support immune function, promote overall wellness, and provide nutritional support throughout treatment.
DMSO Potentiation Therapy
With a DMSO dosage tailored to meet your health and personal needs, DPT works with other cancer treating drugs by helping them to penetrate the cancer cells, and subsequently, requiring a lower dosage of medication.
Because the DMSO bypasses the digestive tract and acids, the medication is more effectively absorbed into the system. An added benefit of DMSO IV therapy treatment for cancer is that it allows the individual to receive healing nutrients even while unable to eat.
Psycho-Spiritual Therapy
A stomach cancer diagnosis can affect emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being in addition to physical health.
Psycho-spiritual therapy supports patients by encouraging emotional resilience, stress management, and a stronger mind-body connection throughout their healing journey. This therapy reflects ITC’s holistic philosophy of treating the whole person rather than focusing solely on the disease.
Natural Halotherapy
Also known as biophotonic therapy, natural halo light therapy combines botanical compounds with controlled light exposure as part of ITC’s holistic approach to wellness.
This therapy is designed to support healthy cellular function, encourage tissue health, and promote overall well-being as part of an individualized treatment program.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation
One of the key components for combating cancer is maintaining a healthy immune system. While killing damaged cells, cancer treatments also have a supplemental effect of reducing appetite, leaving patients with a nutrient deficiency and a reduced ability to combat the greater risk of illness. may be administered by taking a daily tablet orally, intravenously, or by injection.
After reviewing laboratory findings and nutritional status, ITC physicians may recommend personalized vitamin and mineral supplements to help address deficiencies, support immune function, and promote overall wellness during treatment.
ITC’s Cancer Care Alternatives and Natural Treatments for Stomach Cancer Patients
Receiving a stomach cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone.
At Immunity Therapy Center, Dr. Carlos Bautista and our multidisciplinary medical team develop personalized treatment programs designed around each patient’s diagnosis, overall health, and individual goals. Using evidence-informed alternative therapies, immunotherapy, hyperthermia, nutritional medicine, and other holistic, alternative cancer treatment approaches, we focus on supporting the body’s natural healing processes while addressing stomach cancer through comprehensive, individualized care.
If you would like to learn more about ITC’s personalized treatment programs for stomach cancer, schedule a free consultation with our medical team. Together, we can discuss your diagnosis, answer your questions, and explore the treatment options that may be appropriate for your unique situation.
Reach out for a phone consultation by calling (619) 375-1242, or contact us by completing an initial online form to inquire about our effective alternative stomach cancer treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stomach cancer be treated with alternative therapies?
Treatment recommendations depend on the patient’s diagnosis, the type of stomach cancer, and overall health. At ITC, physicians develop individualized treatment programs using evidence-informed alternative therapies designed to address cancer while supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
Is every stomach cancer treatment plan the same?
No. Every patient receives a personalized evaluation. Factors such as the stage of disease, tumor location, overall health, and treatment goals help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
What therapies does ITC offer for gastric cancer?
Depending on each patient’s needs, treatment programs may include Intratumoral Immunotherapy, Localized Hyperthermia, Laser Cancer Therapy, Gerson Therapy, DMSO Potentiation Therapy, nutritional therapies, Psycho-Spiritual Therapy, and other physician-selected treatments.
When should I seek treatment?
Anyone experiencing persistent digestive symptoms or who has recently been diagnosed with stomach cancer should speak with a qualified physician to discuss their treatment options.
Sources:
- American Cancer Society. What Is Stomach Cancer? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomach-cancer/about/what-is-stomach-cancer.html
- American Cancer Society. Why People with Cancer Are More Likely To Get Infections. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/infections/why-people-with-cancer-are-at-risk.html#:~:text=Certain+cancer+treatments+(such+as,and+other+immune+system+cells/
- American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/stomach-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html
- PubMed Central. Gastric cancer: prevention, risk factors and treatment. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017429/
- American Cancer Society. Stomach Cancer Risk Factors. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/stomach-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
- American Cancer Society. Tests for Stomach Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/stomach-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html
- National Cancer Institute. Cancer Screening Overview. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/screening
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