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Gastric Cancer

The care for gastric cancer at Karolinska includes different specialists working together to provide the best possible care.

Gastric cancer (cancer of the stomach) is one of the most common cancer types worldwide. Obesity, smoking, alcohol abuse, and genetic factors are some of the risk factors for developing gastric cancer. 

Gastric cancer symptoms include: early satiety, epigastralgia (pain in the stomach), swollen stomach, weight loss, and reduced appetite.

Gastric cancer is diagnosed via a biopsy during a gastroscopy, and the tumor stage is determined through a CT scan and sometimes with a laparoscopy. At Karolinska, we take pride in our excellent cooperation among different specialties and care units essential for the entire care process. Our goals are to diagnose and treat each patient based on their needs and health conditions.  

Early-stage gastric cancer is treated with endoscopic resection. Locally advanced tumors are often treated with chemotherapy followed by surgery or sometimes with surgery alone. The majority of procedures are performed with robot-assisted minimally invasive techniques. Immunotherapy is an option in some specific circumstances. Every patient receives an individualized treatment plan after a multimodal treatment conference based on tumor stage, health condition, and personal preference. The care at Karolinska includes specialists working together to provide the best possible care.