Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a relatively rare but serious type of cancer that begins in the lining of the stomach. Like many types of cancer, stomach cancer can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because symptoms are often vague and non-specific. However, knowing the symptoms of stomach cancer can help ensure early detection and prompt treatment. In this article, we will discuss the common symptoms of stomach cancer and when to seek medical attention.
It’s important to note that experiencing any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have stomach cancer. However, if you are experiencing persistent or troubling symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
1. Abdominal Pain
One of the most common symptoms of stomach cancer is persistent abdominal pain. This pain may be located in the upper abdomen, particularly in the area around the navel. While occasional stomach pain is common and is often not a cause for concern, persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Other symptoms that may occur alongside abdominal pain include nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness or bloating. If you are experiencing these symptoms along with abdominal pain, it’s important to seek medical attention.
2. Difficulty Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be a symptom of advanced stomach cancer. This symptom may present as a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest, or as pain or discomfort while swallowing. Difficulty swallowing can be caused by a variety of conditions, but if it persists or worsens, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.
In some cases, difficulty swallowing may be accompanied by unintended weight loss, which can be a sign of advanced stomach cancer. If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing along with unexplained weight loss, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
3. Persistent Indigestion
Experiencing persistent indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, can be a sign of stomach cancer. This may present as discomfort or burning in the upper abdomen, bloating, or a feeling of fullness after eating. While occasional indigestion is common and is often not a cause for concern, persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Other symptoms that may occur alongside persistent indigestion include nausea, vomiting, and unintentional weight loss. If you are experiencing these symptoms along with persistent indigestion, it’s important to seek medical attention.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of many types of cancer, including stomach cancer. If you are losing weight without trying, and especially if this weight loss is significant or rapid, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of advanced stomach cancer or other health conditions that require prompt attention.
Other symptoms that may occur alongside unexplained weight loss include fatigue, weakness, and changes in appetite. If you are experiencing these symptoms along with unexplained weight loss, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
5. Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired or lacking in energy, even after adequate rest and sleep, can be a symptom of stomach cancer. Fatigue can be caused by a variety of factors, but if it is persistent or severe, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. Other symptoms that may occur alongside fatigue include weakness, unexplained weight loss, and changes in appetite.
If you are experiencing these symptoms along with fatigue, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause and receive appropriate care.
6. Blood in the Stool
Finding blood in your stool can be a concerning and possibly serious symptom. While blood in the stool can be caused by a variety of conditions, including hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal bleeding, it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice this symptom. In some cases, blood in the stool can be a sign of stomach cancer or other conditions that require prompt care.
Other symptoms that may occur alongside blood in the stool include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss. If you are experiencing these symptoms along with blood in the stool, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
7. Nausea and Vomiting
Experiencing persistent nausea and vomiting can be a symptom of stomach cancer. These symptoms may occur alongside other digestive issues, such as abdominal pain or indigestion. While occasional nausea and vomiting are common and are often not a cause for concern, persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
If you are experiencing persistent nausea and vomiting along with other concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate care.
8. Changes in Bowel Habits
Experiencing changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation, can be a symptom of stomach cancer. These changes may be accompanied by blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss. While changes in bowel habits can be caused by a variety of factors, persistent or concerning changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
If you are experiencing changes in bowel habits along with other concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause and receive appropriate care.
9. Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. While jaundice can be caused by a variety of conditions, including liver problems or gallbladder issues, it can also be a sign of stomach cancer that has spread to the liver. If you are experiencing jaundice, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause and receive appropriate care.
If you notice jaundice along with other concerning symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss or abdominal pain, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and proper care.
10. Unexplained Anemia
Unexplained anemia, a condition characterized by a low red blood cell count, can be a symptom of stomach cancer. This may present as fatigue, weakness, or pale skin. While anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, if it is persistent or severe, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.
If you are experiencing unexplained anemia along with other concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause and receive appropriate care.
