How to Spot Stomach Cancer Signs
The key to treating stomach cancer is to act fast, which is easier to do when the signs and symptoms are understood. This article explores common stomach cancer signs so you know what to look for.
1. Loss of Appetite
A common sign of stomach cancer is an overall lack of interest in food and subsequent lack of appetite. This may develop as the tumor impacts stomach functionality. It usually becomes more noticeable in the intermediate or advanced stages of stomach cancer.
2. Feeling Full Quickly
Feeling full quickly is a symptom that can arise when a tumor physically reduces the stomach's capacity. It typically develops in the intermediate stages of cancer. This is also known as early satiety. If you're consistently feeling full after eating even a small amount of food, talk to your doctor.
3. Indigestion or Heartburn
Persistent indigestion or heartburn may occur as the cancer irritates the stomach lining. This symptom is often ignored, dismissed or misdiagnosed because it is a relatively common. However, if you're feeling heartburn more than usual or experiencing recurrent indigestion, you should speak to your doctor.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss
When weight loss is rapid and unintentional, it can often be a sign of advanced cancer. In the context of stomach cancer, unexplained weight loss occurs because the tumor interferes with digestion or suppresses appetite. This can make it difficult for the body to absorb essential nutrients.
5. 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 of stomach cancer, but may worsen as the cancer spreads. The pain worsening and becoming severe is usually a sign that the cancer has spread to nearby organs.
6. Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Though it might not seem like a symptom of stomach cancer, dysphagia can occur if the tumor extends to the upper stomach or esophagus. This symptom usually appears in later stages and is a sign of severe tumor growth.
7. Bloating After Meals
Many people experience bloating from time to time. However, severe bloating that leads to discomfort after eating, even after small meals, can be a common sign of stomach cancer. Bloating after meals may be an early or intermediate symptom and may be a result from a tumor obstructing digestion.
8. Nausea and Vomiting
Intermittent nausea is a very common symptom of stomach cancer. This is another symptom that can be ignored or dismissed due to its innocuous nature. It may occur as a result of the tumor blocking normal food passage.
9. Chronic Fatigue
Fatigue is a common in most people. However, when we talk about cancer-related fatigue, it’s typically chronic and often accompanied by feeling weak. 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 your stool, which can appear black, is a telltale sign of more advanced signs of stomach cancer.
Vomiting is not always a cause for concern. However, when it’s a sign of stomach cancer, it can include vomiting up blood. This often indicates advanced stages of cancer and can occur when the tumor causes internal bleeding.
Final Notes
While the symptoms discussed in this article can indicate stomach cancer, they are not exclusive to the disease and can happen because of less serious conditions. That being said, if any of these symptoms prove persistent or get worse, you should see a medical professional. A proper evaluation and testing would be the next step. If you’re ever feeling worried about the symptoms you’re experiencing, it’s essential to discuss it with a healthcare provider so they can identify the issue and rule out certain conditions.
Early detection is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. That's why it’s so important to understand your body and what feels normal. Quickly identifying your disease also lowers the likelihood of the cancer spreading.
Some common risk factors of stomach cancer can include lifestyle choices, genetics, family history, smoking or other medical conditions. Treatment options vary depending on severity but typically include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapy that uses drugs to attack specific cancer cells.