The point is that the stomach's rich blood supply and many drainage paths can act as conduits for spread of infections or cancers. Of course, the main purpose for the stomach is digestion of foods, a process that begins with the saliva in the mouth. The stomach activates Vitamin B12 from our diet, secretes hydrochloric acid to break down food, and churns the food into pulp. It can also directly absorb substances like alcohol and caffeine. The stomach is susceptible to an increase in the concentration of hydrochloric acid brought on by stress, certain foods, and the effects of tobacco smoke.
Perforation is a surgical emergency.
While most stomach problems are minor ones, such as a mild virus or indigestion, occasionally serious disease strikes the stomach. These cells divide to produce new ones, and grow very rapidly during womb life, early childhood and puberty. In adulthood, new cells are produced only to replace those that die of old age, injury or disease. Normally, division of cells is under very tight control. The genes themselves are made up of DNA, the master genetic code material.