What is Gastric Cancer

What is Gastric Cancer?

What is Gastric Cancer?

Gastric cancer manifests when malignant cells develop in the lining of the stomach, an organ shaped like the letter J located in the upper abdomen. This organ is integral to the digestive system, which facilitates the breakdown of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and water from ingested food and aids in waste removal from the body. The journey of food starts in the throat and proceeds to the stomach via the esophagus, a muscular tube. From the stomach, partially digested food moves into the small intestine and then into the large intestine.

The stomach’s wall comprises three tissue layers: the innermost mucosal layer, the middle muscularis layer, and the outermost serosal layer. Gastric cancer originates in the cells lining the mucosal layer and progresses outward through the other layers as it advances.

Stromal tumors, distinct from gastric cancer, originate in the supportive connective tissue of the stomach and require different treatment approaches.