STOMACH/GASTRIC CANCER SYMPTOMS
Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)
How Do I Know Have It?
Stomach cancer (gastric cancer) can be hard to detect in its early stages. Often there are no symptoms at this point, so in many cases, the cancer has spread before it is found. This is because the stomach is a fairly large-sized organ, so only a large-sized tumor will cause symptoms. Also, when stomach cancer symptoms do occur, they are so vague that the person ignores them.
However, the possibility of stomach cancer should not be ignored. Stomach cancer is most curable in its early stages, before it has begun to spread.
These three early symptoms of stomach cancer often occur after eating:
Indigestion. This includes burning in the stomach or upper abdomen, abdominal pain, bloating (full feeling), belching and gas, nausea and vomiting, acidic taste in the mouth, or growling stomach.
Loss of appetite. Or, you may feel full after eating very little.
Heartburn. This is a burning sensation deep in the chest.
If you have indigestion every day for a week, see a doctor.
A fecal occult blood test (a stool test) may show one early sign of stomach cancer -- blood in the stool.
Your doctor may also advise an upper GI (gastrointestinal) series of X-rays and a gastrointestinal endoscopy exam (gastroscopy) to view the inside of your stomach.
In more advanced stages of stomach cancer, when the tumor is large or has spread, symptoms may include:
Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools.
Vomiting, which may have blood (bright red or looks like coffee grounds).
Weight loss that is unexplained and/or loss of appetite.
Pain or bloating in the stomach after eating.
Jaundice, a yellowing of eyes and skin.
Discomfort in the upper or middle part of the abdomen.
Weakness or fatigue associated with mild anemia (a deficiency in red blood cells).
Keep in mind, any of these symptoms can be caused by cancer, an ulcer, or other less-serious health problems. But if you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. You may be referred to a gastroenterologist, a specialist who diagnoses and treats digestive disorders.
PS-Prevention is always better than cure.I'm not a Dr. this is just to make one aware of certain symptoms to take precaution.
How Do I Know Have It?
Stomach cancer (gastric cancer) can be hard to detect in its early stages. Often there are no symptoms at this point, so in many cases, the cancer has spread before it is found. This is because the stomach is a fairly large-sized organ, so only a large-sized tumor will cause symptoms. Also, when stomach cancer symptoms do occur, they are so vague that the person ignores them.
However, the possibility of stomach cancer should not be ignored. Stomach cancer is most curable in its early stages, before it has begun to spread.
These three early symptoms of stomach cancer often occur after eating:
Indigestion. This includes burning in the stomach or upper abdomen, abdominal pain, bloating (full feeling), belching and gas, nausea and vomiting, acidic taste in the mouth, or growling stomach.
Loss of appetite. Or, you may feel full after eating very little.
Heartburn. This is a burning sensation deep in the chest.
If you have indigestion every day for a week, see a doctor.
A fecal occult blood test (a stool test) may show one early sign of stomach cancer -- blood in the stool.
Your doctor may also advise an upper GI (gastrointestinal) series of X-rays and a gastrointestinal endoscopy exam (gastroscopy) to view the inside of your stomach.
In more advanced stages of stomach cancer, when the tumor is large or has spread, symptoms may include:
Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools.
Vomiting, which may have blood (bright red or looks like coffee grounds).
Weight loss that is unexplained and/or loss of appetite.
Pain or bloating in the stomach after eating.
Jaundice, a yellowing of eyes and skin.
Discomfort in the upper or middle part of the abdomen.
Weakness or fatigue associated with mild anemia (a deficiency in red blood cells).
Keep in mind, any of these symptoms can be caused by cancer, an ulcer, or other less-serious health problems. But if you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. You may be referred to a gastroenterologist, a specialist who diagnoses and treats digestive disorders.
PS-Prevention is always better than cure.I'm not a Dr. this is just to make one aware of certain symptoms to take precaution.
posted by G S Iyer at 9:16 AM
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