What is the stomach?
The stomach is an organ of digestion. It has a saclike shape and is located between the esophagus and the intestines. Almost every animal has a stomach.

The human stomach is a muscular, elastic, pear-shaped bag, lying crosswise in the abdominal cavity beneath the diaphragm. It changes size and shape according to is position of the body and the amount of food inside. The stomach is about 12 inches (30.5 cm) long and is 6 inches. (15.2 cm) wide at its widest point. The stomach's capacity is about 1 qt (0.94 liters) in an adult.

Food enters the stomach from the esophagus. The connection between the stomach and the esophagus is called the cardiac sphincter. The cardiac sphincter prevents food from passing back to the esophagus. Heart burn is the sensation when stomach juices (gastric juice) is allowed to seep through the sphincter into the esophagus. Once the food enters the stomach, gastric juices are used to break down the food. Some substances are absorbed muscle lining of the stomach. One of the substances the stomach absorbs is alcohol.

The other end of the stomach empties into the duodenum. The duodenum is the first section of the small intestine. The pyloric sphincter separates the stomach from the duodenum.

The stomach is composed of five layers. Starting from the inside and working our way out, the innermost layer is called the mucosa. Stomach acid and digestive juices are made in the mucosa layer. The next layer is called the submucosa. The submucosa is surrounded by the muscularis, a layer of muscle that moves and mixes the stomach contents. The next two layers, the subserosa and the serosa are the wrapping for the stomach. The serosa is the outermost layer of the stomach.

What Is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer is a disease in which normal cells in the stomach tissues become cancerous and grow out of control.

Experts have been unable to define one primary cause for stomach cancer, but many factors seem to be involved. Some research suggests that stomach ulcers or stomach polyps can lead to cancer.

Stomach ulcers are raw or inflamed areas of the stomach lining and also are called gastric ulcers

Stomach polyps are noncancerous round growths that project into the stomach cavity

Environmental factors or infection by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori may be possible causes. Poor diet has also been implicated.

The symptoms of stomach cancer in the early stages can be vague and include indigestion, discomfort, nausea, or heartburn. Early symptoms are also symptomatic of many other gastrointestinal conditions (pertaining to the digestive tract), so having symptoms does not necessarily mean stomach cancer.

Treatment varies by individual, but may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy, or participation in clinical trials.
 

Select Language English Russian French German Italian Japanese Korean Portuguese Spanish Greek Dutch Hindi