In the early stages, stomach cancer symptoms are often very subtle, making them hard to detect. Another issue is that many of these signs can easily be mistaken for other common digestive issues. Yet, detecting and treating this disease in the early stage is very crucial if you wish to beat it. Therefore, it is important that you learn how to recognize these stomach cancer symptoms. Today, we will look at 9 important signs of stomach cancer that you should be aware of.
Loss of Appetite
Feeling full after only eating a small meal or a sudden lack of appetite is another warning sign. When tumors grow in the stomach, it interferes with the organ’s capacity, making you feel full quickly. Without nutrition, your immune system grows weaker, making you more susceptible to infections. If a sudden lack of appetite is accompanied by other listed symptoms, then it’s advised to seek medical attention. A doctor will be able to find the cause of the change in appetite and prevent further deterioration.
Nausea and Vomiting
These are other symptoms that are often misdiagnosed as being the result of some other ailment. There are many conditions and diseases that can make you feel nauseous and want to throw up. However, in people with stomach cancer, this is often accompanied by the appearance of blood. The blood may appear in the vomit as bright red speckles, similar to ground coffee. This indicates bleeding in the stomach caused by an obstructing tumour.
Unexpected Weight Loss
While many people would love to lose a little weight, unexpected weight loss can be cause for concern. It should be especially worrying if you haven’t implemented any changes in diet or lifestyle that would cause such weight loss. This is a common symptom of many types of cancer, including stomach cancer. This type of cancer can often lead to a lack of appetite, and the body uses a lot of energy to try to combat it. This typically results in unexpected weight loss. Patients find that performing daily activities become more difficult as the weight loss is usually accompanied by muscle loss and general weakness.
Blood in Stool
If there is bleeding in your gastrointestinal tract, you will start noticing dark brown or black blood in your stool. This typically occurs in the advanced stages of the disease, when tumors begin to bleed into the intestines or stomach. Over time, this loss of blood can result in anemia, which can cause chronic fatigue and dizziness. If you notice any significant changes in your bowel movements, it’s important to see a doctor. They will be able to perform a stool analysis or other diagnostic tests to identify what is causing the bleeding.
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Difficulty Swallowing
Also known as dysphagia, experiencing difficulties swallowing is another of the stomach cancer symptoms to be aware of. The tumors may start to obstruct the passage of food as they grow. This can make it hard to swallow food (and even liquids in severe cases). This can eventually lead to further malnutrition, dehydration, and weight loss. Some people also report the distressing feeling of having food stuck in their chest or throat.
Abdominal Discomfort and Bloating
In addition to feeling full after small meals, the tumors also result in abdominal discomfort and bloating. The presence of the tumors affect the body’s ability to properly digest food, resulting in bloating and discomfort. These stomach cancer symptoms are often accompanied by others such as irregular bowel movements or excessive gas. These symptoms can become so persistent that they interfere with daily life. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to have yourself checked out by a health practitioner.
Weakness and Fatigue
Your body expends a lot of energy trying to combat cancer. This can lead to an overall sense of weakness accompanied by chronic fatigue. The blood loss from the tumors also lead to anemia, further increasing this feeling of constant fatigue. Feeling fatigued can also result from a lack of proper nutrient absorption and inadequate digestion. This eventually starts to impact the individual’s quality of life as they cannot do the things they used to do without great difficulty.
Continuous Indigestion and Heartburn
There are many lifestyle and dietary factors that can lead to indigestion and heartburn. However, in most cases, this is temporary and goes away after a while. However, one of the early stomach cancer symptoms is persistently suffering from indigestion and heartburn. These symptoms could be the result of cancerous growths within the lining of the stomach. Acid reflux can damage the esophagus over time, leading to further complications. It’s advised to see a doctor so that they can rule out any other potential causes of these symptoms.
Stomach Pain
Another symptom to look out for is persistent stomach pain in the upper abdomen. This pain is often attributed to a less serious condition and the pain can range from mild to severe. The pain can grow so severe that it interferes with your ability to live a normal life, making even thinking or sleeping a challenge. This symptom may also sometimes be accompanied by a feeling of pressure or tenderness. It’s always a good idea to see your doctor if this pain persists, especially if accompanied by any of the other stomach cancer symptoms
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
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