Stomach Cancer

Also referred to as gastric cancer, stomach cancer most often originates from mucous-producing glandular cells in the stomach lining. This form of cancer is called adenocarcinoma and accounts for nearly 95 percent of all stomach cancers. The classification of stomach cancers is based on where in the stomach, or from what type of tissue the cancerous cells originate. Other forms of stomach cancer include lymphoma, which begins in immune system cells in the stomach walls; carcinoid, which starts in hormone-producing cells; and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), which begins in nervous system tissue. Rare in the United States, stomach cancer is treatable if discovered early. Since it originates in the stomach lining, it often is difficult to identify before it reaches an advanced stage.

Why UAB

Patients who choose UAB Medicine for their gastrointestinal cancer care will benefit from a pacesetting team of specialists, state-of-the-art technology, and some treatments not available at other medical centers. We have an outstanding team of surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and gastroenterologists, and by coming to the UAB Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, you may be eligible for cutting-edge medications and treatments through a clinical trial. We employ a unique multidisciplinary approach to identifying and treating both pre-cancerous lesions of the pancreas and individuals who are at a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, in the hope of avoiding the development of cancers in the future.

A GI cancer diagnosis can produce a high level of stress for patients, so we provide a nurse navigator to help organize your visit. The program streamlines your introduction to UAB Medicine by arranging for your medical records, setting your appointments, and guiding you throughout the process. This allows your treatment team to deliver more efficient care.

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Welcome to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center

Personalized cancer treatment focused on one patient at a time.

PHYSICIANS

Omer L. Burnett, MD

Carlo M. Contreras, MD

Michael C. Dobelbower, MD, PhD

Kelly N. Godby, MD

Martin J. Heslin, MD

Rojymon Jacob, MD

Lisle M. Nabell, MD

Sushanth Reddy, MD

Sharon A. Spencer, MD

Thomas N. Wang, MD, PhD

Ravikumar Paluri, MD

Grant R Williams, MD

Rudolph M. Navari, MD, PhD

John Bart Rose, MD

Olumide B Gbolahan, MD

Related Treatments

Depending on your case and your physician’s assessment, your condition may be treated using one or more various procedures. Some of those procedures are listed below for your convenience. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on your specific diagnosis.

Smoking Cessation

Clinical Trials

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of stomach cancer. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials