Gastric Cancer Classification and Overview

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, can be classified in various ways based on different medical criteria. Understanding the types of gastric cancer is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. It is highly recommended to visit a gastroenterology department regularly and undergo necessary examinations such as endoscopy and histopathological tests to detect any abnormalities early.

Gastric Cancer by Anatomical Location

One of the most common ways to classify gastric cancer is by its location within the stomach. There are three primary types based on anatomical position: cardia gastric cancer, which occurs at the upper part near the esophagus; gastric body cancer, which develops in the middle section of the stomach; and pyloric gastric cancer, which is found in the lower region near the opening to the small intestine.

Classification Based on Histopathology

From a histological perspective, gastric cancer can be further categorized into several subtypes, including adenocarcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, signet ring cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and undifferentiated carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent type and can be subdivided into papillary adenocarcinoma, tubular adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, mixed-type adenocarcinoma, and hepatoid adenocarcinoma.

Staging Based on Disease Progression

In terms of disease severity, gastric cancer is generally divided into early-stage and advanced-stage cancer. Early gastric cancer refers to tumors that have not invaded beyond the mucosal layer. Once the cancer has spread beyond this layer, it is classified as advanced gastric cancer. The advanced type can be further divided into four morphological categories known as Borrmann types I to IV, which help guide treatment strategies.

Differentiation Levels of Cancer Cells

Another important classification method is based on the differentiation level of cancer cells, which includes well-differentiated, moderately differentiated, and poorly differentiated types. This classification helps doctors understand how aggressive the cancer may be and how it might respond to treatment.

If you experience persistent upper abdominal pain or discomfort, it's important to consult a specialist for accurate diagnosis. Gastric cancer symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions such as gastritis or cholecystitis, making it difficult to identify without proper testing. Endoscopic examination remains the most effective method for early detection of gastric cancer and related conditions. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes and increases the chances of successful recovery.