Overview
Stomach cancer — also known as gastric cancer — develops when abnormal cells in the lining of the stomach grow uncontrollably, forming tumours that can invade surrounding tissue and spread to other organs. It is one of the most common cancers in India and globally, with a particularly high prevalence in South and East Asian populations.
Stomach cancer is often detected at advanced stages because early symptoms are subtle and frequently mistaken for common digestive complaints — such as indigestion, bloating, or mild abdominal discomfort. This makes awareness of warning signs and regular screening in high-risk individuals critically important.
With advances in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and surgical oncology, stomach cancer treatment has improved significantly in recent years. Early detection combined with a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan gives patients the best possible chance of achieving long-term disease control and improved quality of life.
Types of Stomach Cancer
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is by far the most common type of stomach cancer — accounting for approximately 90% to 95% of all diagnoses. It begins in the mucus-secreting gland cells lining the inside of the stomach and can be further classified into intestinal type and diffuse type, each with different growth patterns and treatment approaches.
Gastric Lymphoma
Gastric lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system cells found in the stomach wall. The most common form is MALT lymphoma (Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue), which is often linked to Helicobacter pylori infection and may respond to antibiotic treatment in early stages.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST)
GISTs are rare tumours that begin in the specialized nerve cells of the stomach wall. They are often treated with targeted therapy — particularly imatinib — rather than conventional chemotherapy, making biomarker testing essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Carcinoid Tumours
Gastric carcinoid tumours develop from hormone-producing cells in the stomach lining. Most are slow-growing and may not require immediate aggressive treatment, but regular monitoring and appropriate intervention are essential.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach is rare and begins in the flat cells lining the upper part of the stomach. It is treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Small Cell Carcinoma
Gastric small cell carcinoma is an extremely rare and aggressive form of stomach cancer that requires immediate, intensive chemotherapy — similar to the treatment approach used for small cell lung cancer.
Signs to Look for in Stomach Cancer
- Persistent indigestion, heartburn, or stomach discomfort that does not respond to antacids
- Feeling full quickly after eating small amounts of food
- Nausea or vomiting — particularly vomiting blood
- Unexplained, persistent weight loss
- Abdominal pain or discomfort — particularly in the upper abdomen
- Difficulty swallowing or food getting stuck
- Black or tarry stools — indicating bleeding in the digestive tract
- Swollen or bloated abdomen
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Loss of appetite lasting more than two weeks
Treatment Options
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cornerstone of stomach cancer treatment — used before surgery to shrink tumours, after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells, or as the primary treatment for advanced or metastatic gastric cancer. At Jus’ Onco, stomach cancer chemotherapy is delivered as a low cost day care service — patients receive their infusion and return home the same day.
Targeted Therapy
For stomach cancers with specific molecular targets — such as HER2-positive gastric cancer or VEGFR-positive disease — targeted therapy uses precision medicines to attack the specific protein driving cancer growth. Biomarker and HER2 testing is conducted at Jus’ Onco to confirm eligibility before starting targeted treatment.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy — particularly PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors — has shown significant benefit for advanced gastric cancer, especially in patients with high PD-L1 expression or microsatellite instability (MSI-high). At Jus’ Onco, immunotherapy is delivered under close oncologist supervision in the same low cost day care setting.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used alongside chemotherapy for locally advanced stomach cancer, after surgery to reduce recurrence risk, or to manage symptoms in advanced disease. Jus’ Onco coordinates radiation therapy referrals through its specialist oncology network.
Surgical Oncology
Surgical options for stomach cancer include partial gastrectomy, total gastrectomy, or endoscopic resection for early-stage disease. Surgery is coordinated with chemotherapy and radiation as part of a comprehensive, multimodal stomach cancer treatment plan.
Supportive Care
Includes pain management, nutritional support — particularly important given the impact of stomach cancer on digestion and appetite — psycho-oncology counselling, and symptom control to maintain quality of life throughout the full stomach cancer treatment journey.
Stomach Cancer Care at Jus' Onco
At Jus’ Onco, we provide comprehensive stomach cancer care through advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment planning, and a multidisciplinary oncology team. From first consultation through recovery and long-term follow-up, our focus is on delivering the best chemotherapy in India alongside targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and integrated supportive care — all at a low cost that ensures no patient is forced to delay or abandon treatment.
Our stomach cancer care programme begins with a thorough review of your diagnostic reports, imaging (CT, PET, endoscopy), biopsy and pathology findings, and biomarker test results — ensuring your treatment plan is precisely matched to your gastric cancer type, molecular profile, and overall health. Whether you require HER2-targeted therapy, PD-L1-based immunotherapy, platinum-based chemotherapy, or a combination approach, Jus’ Onco designs and delivers a complete, evidence-based stomach cancer treatment plan — with full day care convenience, transparent pricing, and zero hidden charges.
