Partner with UC San Diego Health for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer. You’ll be at the center of a team of specialists who are experienced in advanced treatments and will guide you every step of your journey.
Nationally Ranked Cancer Care
UC San Diego Health is ranked among the nation's best in both cancer and gastrointestinal care by
U.S. News & World Report. We are also the only
National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Diego County. This is the highest possible rating for a U.S. cancer center, and it means you’ll receive the best possible care and support. Studies show patient outcomes are better at NCI-designated cancer centers.
Types of Stomach Cancer We Treat
We treat all types and stages of stomach cancer, including:
Diagnosing Stomach Cancer
To diagnose or determine the stage of your cancer, your doctor may recommend:
- Blood tests
- Barium swallow – Looks for stomach cancer using a special type of X-ray called fluoroscopy, which shows your digestive tract in real time
- Physical exam and medical history overview
- Stomach endoscopy – Places a small camera and sometimes a tiny ultrasound device into your stomach through your throat to look for signs of cancer
Personalized, Comprehensive Treatment
When you choose UC San Diego Health, you’ll get a customized care plan to fit your needs and preferences. Your care plan may include one or more of the following treatment approaches.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a drug that travels throughout your body to kill cancer cells that may have spread beyond your stomach. You may receive chemotherapy alone or combined with radiation therapy or another treatment.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy beams to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy is often combined with chemotherapy.
Surgery
Surgery offers the best treatment option for stomach cancer since it can remove all cancerous tissue around your stomach.
You can trust the expertise our surgeons as we performed the region's first robotic gastrectomy. This is a potentially life-saving procedure to remove a section of the stomach after a gastric cancer diagnosis. We are also at the forefront of minimally invasive procedures that may help you recover faster and with less pain.
The types of surgery that your doctor may recommend include:
- Gastrectomy – Removes all of the stomach and connects your esophagus to your small intestine
- Partial gastrectomy – Removes part of the stomach when tumors are small
- Surgery to remove other organs – Treats tumors that grow outside of the stomach, such as in the spleen
Clinical Trials for Stomach Cancer
In addition to standard approaches, you may qualify for a clinical trial, which can give you early access to the most promising new therapies and advanced technologies. UC San Diego Health is a national leader in developing clinical trials. Participating in a clinical trial can expand your treatment options and give you access to the latest cancer therapies.
Get a Second Opinion
Turn to UC San Diego Health for
second opinion services for peace of mind and a complete evaluation of your health. A second opinion can be worthwhile at any point in your cancer journey since it can provide other information and reveal more treatment possibilities.
Patient and Family Support
At UC San Diego Health, we consider your physical, social, emotional and spiritual health throughout your cancer journey. Take advantage of our
patient and family support services.