Gastric Cancer Is a Tumor, Not a Simple Mucosal Erosion

Gastric cancer is classified as a tumor, specifically a malignant tumor arising from the glandular epithelium of the stomach lining. On the other hand, erosion typically refers to changes seen in gastritis, such as those described in endoscopic reports like erosive gastritis or hemorrhagic erosive gastritis. Gastritis is a benign condition, while gastric cancer is a malignant disease. These two conditions are fundamentally different, and their prognoses vary significantly.

Gastric cancer develops as a malignant growth within the stomach, which is anatomically divided into several regions. The upper part of the stomach connects to the esophagus at the gastroesophageal junction, also known as the cardia. The main central portion is called the gastric body, followed by the pylorus, or the lower part of the stomach that connects to the duodenum. Gastric cancer most commonly occurs in the antrum, particularly along the lesser curvature of the stomach. It is also frequently found at the gastroesophageal junction. Although these two areas are the most common sites for gastric cancer development, it can also appear in other regions of the stomach.