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About Gastric (Stomach) Cancer:
The stomach is
divided into several sections and layers. Most gastric cancers occur
in the deepest layer called the mucosa . When
gastric cancer occurs in the mucosa, it is called
adenocarcinoma. When gastric cancer has progressed (for instance,
grown beyond the area where it started or spread to other organs),
it is called advanced gastric adenocarcinoma.
Other types of gastric cancer are very
rare. So, if you have gastric cancer, more than likely it is
adenocarcinoma. If you do have one of the less common gastric
cancers, it may be called lymphoma , a
gastrointestinal stromal tumor , or a
carcinoid tumor .
Sometimes gastric cancer can spread, or
metastasize, outside of the stomach and into
other body parts. If gastric cancer spreads,
it may spread to the
lymph nodes, liver, lungs or bones.
Gastric cancer should not be confused with
cancers in other areas of the abdomen, such
as the colon, liver, small intestine or
pancreas. These cancers may produce
different symptoms and require different
treatments.
Gastric Cancer Statistics
According to the American Cancer Society:
- Gastric cancer is not a common type of cancer
in the United States; it is much more common in other parts of
the world, particularly Japan.
- It is estimated that
in 2008, approximately 22,000 Americans will be diagnosed with
gastric cancer.
- It is estimated that in 2008, approximately
11,210 people will die from gastric cancer.
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