Roderich E. Schwarz, MD, PhD

This comprehensive guide for oncologists covers the diagnosis, staging, treatment, and management of gastric cancer.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a formidable challenge in the United States due to its increasing incidence, its advanced-stage presentation, and its association with chronic liver disease.[1-3]

Gastric cancer is more common than esophageal cancer in Western countries but is less fatal. More than 21,130 new cases of gastric cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in the year 2009, with 10,620 deaths expected. Worldwide, gastric cancer represents approximately 930,000 new cases and accounts for more than 700,000 deaths. The incidence and mortality of gastric cancer have been declining in most developed countries, including the United States; the age-adjusted risk (world estimate) fell 5% from 1985 to 1990.