How to Recognize Stomach Cancer
Common Signs of Stomach Cancer
Knowing how to recognize stomach cancer and its common signs and symptoms is important for an early diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we'll review signs to look for.
1. Persistent Indigestion or Heartburn
A common early symptom, persistent indigestion or heartburn may occur as the cancer irritates the stomach lining. Because this is a relatively common and innocuous symptom that can be a sign of various other less serious conditions, it can often be dismissed or ignored.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight isn’t inherently a cause for panic. However, it’s when the weight loss is rapid and unintentional, as it can be a sign of advanced cancer. This occurs because the tumor interferes with digestion or suppresses appetite, making it difficult for the body to absorb essential nutrients.
3. Loss of Appetite
A common sign of stomach cancer is an overall lack of interest in food and subsequent lack of appetite. This can occur even with your favorite meals. This symptom may develop as the tumor impacts stomach functionality. It usually becomes more noticeable in the intermediate or advanced stages of stomach cancer.
4. Feeling Full Quickly
There are many common conditions where feeling full quickly, known as early satiety, can occur. However, when it presents in stomach cancer, this symptom arises when a tumor physically reduces the stomach's capacity. It typically develops in the intermediate stages of cancer.
5. Nausea and Vomiting
Intermittent nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting, is a very common symptom of stomach cancer. It may occur when the tumor blocks normal food passage. Vomiting is not inherently a cause for concern, but when it’s a sign of stomach cancer, it might include blood. This often indicates advanced stages of cancer.
6. Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
A chronic discomfort or a dull ache in the upper abdomen that won’t go away can occur in early stages but may worsen as cancer grows. Severe pain usually signals that the cancer has spread to nearby organs.
7. Bloating After Meals
Feeling uncomfortably bloated after eating isn’t abnormal. However, when it’s a symptom of stomach cancer, it can occur very easily even after small meals. Bloating after meals may be an early or intermediate symptom and may be a result from a tumor obstructing digestion.
8. Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Although more common in esophageal cancer, dysphagia can occur if the tumor extends to the upper stomach or esophagus. This symptom usually appears in later stages.
9. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common experience. However, when we talk about cancer-related fatigue, it’s typically chronic and often accompanied by weakness. This is a common sign of advanced stages of cancer. It may result from blood loss (due to internal bleeding) or malnutrition caused by impaired digestion.
10. Blood in Stool or Vomit
Blood in stool, which may make it appear black, is a telltale sign of more advanced signs of stomach cancer. Visible blood in vomit is another indication of advanced cancer. These symptoms occur when the tumor causes internal bleeding.
Final Notes
While these symptoms can indicate stomach cancer, they are not exclusive to the disease and can result from less serious conditions. However, persistent or worsening symptoms should prompt consultation with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and testing. If you’re ever feeling worried about the symptoms you’re experiencing, it’s essential to discuss it with a healthcare provider so that they can identify the issue and rule out certain conditions.
Early detection is crucial for improving outcomes so that it can be addressed as quickly as possible. This also lowers the chances of the cancer spreading.
