Stomach cancer symptoms are not always specific. During the early stages there may be no indicators at all. But should you experience any of the following, consult a doctor for further diagnosis and verification.
Presence of Blood in the Stool
Aside from possible stomach cancer, blood in the stool could be a sign of colon cancer or anal fissures. To determine the cause, an FOBT (fecal occult blood test) will be necessary.
Stomach Pain
This is the most common indicator, and is what usually forces people to seek medical attention. The pain typically occurs at the upper abdominal area, but the severity varies.
Some patients experience severe pain, but others feel only mild but persistent pain. As this symptom is very general, one should not assume this is already a sign of cancer. It should be evaluated along with any other symptoms experienced.
Vomiting and Nausea
Other stomach cancer symptoms are frequent nausea and vomiting. There are cases wherein the patient vomits blood.
Bloating and Appetite Loss
Unexplained loss of appetite is another indicator. This may be accompanied by frequent heartburn and indigestion. After a meal, the stomach may become bloated.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Inexplicable weight loss is a common sign not just of stomach cancer but other cancers too. Evidence of a problem is when you lose 5% of your body weight in less than six months without diet or exercise.
Changing Bowel Movement
This can be diarrhea or constipation. Sometimes these symptoms alternate.
Fatigue
Stomach cancer symptoms like vomiting blood lead to fatigue. In severe cases the patient will suffer from anemia.
Causes of Stomach Cancer
Doctors aren’t sure why stomach cancer develops but they have identified factors that increase the likelihood of the disease occurring. The first is Helicobacter pylor infection. These bacteria reside in stomach lining. When they get infected, stomach cancer risk increases.
Those who are on a high salt diet are at risk, as are those who eat smoked food. Cured meats that have nitrosamines chemicals also increase the odds of developing stomach caner.
Stomach cancer symptoms are also more susceptible to the disease. Smoking and pernicious anemia are also known to increase the odds of developing stomach cancer.
Diagnosing Stomach Cancer
Your physician will perform tests to determine if you have the disease. A blood test will be conducted to check for signs of anemia and the status of your liver.
You will be given a drink containing barium. This allows doctors to examine your stomach and check for signs of cancers or tumors. Other tests include gastroscopy, scanning and ultrasound.
Treatment of Stomach Cancer
If the cancer is detected early, surgery can remove it. Provided the cancer hasn’t spread outside the stomach, the afflicted part can be removed. Other treatments include chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Prevention
You can reduce the risk of stomach cancer by eating plenty of vegetables and fruits. Quitting smoking will also help.
It’s very important that you are aware of stomach cancer symptoms. This will help you detect the signs early on and get appropriate treatment.
