Stomach cancer. Specimen of human stomach tissue showing a malignant tumour, known also as gastric adenocarcinoma. At right the tumour is seen as a raised kidney-shaped area. Normal stomach lining is at left; the oesophagus is at upper right. The scale reference is in centimetres. Adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumour arising from the epithelium. Stomach cancer is fast growing and may spread beyond the stomach lining. Barium X-ray, biopsy & gastroscopy are methods of diagnosis. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and weight loss, similar to those suffered in peptic ulcer. Early surgical removal (gastrectomy) offers a cure; radiotherapy and anticancer drugs may be used.