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Stomach Cancer Metastasis (spreading)

Definition

Stomach cancer metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the stomach to a new location.

Getting Diagnosed / Treatment

Stomach cancer metastasis is treated in the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center's Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Clinic.

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How does it occur?

Cancer cells from abnormal growths in the stomach can spread to nearby tissues and organs or dislodge and spread through the blood stream or lymph system to other parts of the body. There they can attach and begin growing new tumors.

What are the symptoms?

Signs and symptoms may include:

• loss of appetite
• abdominal or stomach fullness
• difficulty digesting food
• nausea
• pain in abdomen, chest or bones
• jaundice (skin and eyes turn yellow).

How is it diagnosed?

To diagnose stomach cancer metastasis, your doctor will first ask about your symptoms and examine you.

You will need blood work to look for anemia and possible spread of cancer to the liver. You may need a stomach x-ray or an endoscopy. You may also need a CT scan of the abdomen and/or brain. You may also have a bone scan to look for spread to the bone.

How is it treated?

Your doctor may recommend surgery, radiation therapy, or both to reduce some of the symptoms. Depending on where the cancer has spread, you may require surgery. More likely, radiation will be used to eliminate or control the size of the new tumors. Radiation can also treat bone pain caused by metastases to bone.

Your doctor may also recommend chemotherapy to reduce symptoms. However, its effectiveness is limited.

How long will the effects last?

Metastatic cancer can be controlled only for a limited time, but it is impossible to tell how long that time might be.

How can I take care of myself?

• Keep regular appointments with your doctor.
• Discuss any concerns you have with your family and doctor.
• Tell them what treatment approaches you prefer at the various stages of this disease.
• Ask your doctor for a specific diet prescription.
• If you are able to exercise, ask for an activity prescription.
• Join a cancer support group.
• Seek counseling if there are especially difficult issues troubling you or your family.
• Identify those individuals and activities you enjoy and enjoy them.

How can I prevent stomach cancer metastasis from occurring?

After the initial diagnosis of stomach cancer, follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment and monitoring so that metastases can be avoided or delayed, or at least detected as soon as possible.

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Ann Arbor, MI 48109

This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center