Stomach cancer occurs in the stomach region which is the muscular sac located in the upper middle of your abdomen. Your stomach receives the food you eat and then helps in breaking it down and digest it.
You must know that another term for stomach cancer is gastric cancer. Both terms most often refer to stomach cancer that probably begins in the mucus-producing cells which are present in the inner lining of the stomach.
Age of Onset:
To the best of your knowledge, stomach cancer is commonly found in people aged between 50 and 70 years. It is more commonly spotted in men. The cancer is believed to form a mass or ulcer within the stomach. It can also spread diffusely throughout the entire wall of the stomach.
Stomach Cancer Symptoms you need to know:
It is seen that most of the patients with early stage of stomach cancers do not show symptoms of the disease. A person suffering from stomach cancer most often mistake their symptoms for a common stomach virus.
Before a diagnosis is made, it is a possibility that the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer are not apparent and the disease may have reach advanced stages. Because of this reason, we advise you to consider patients at high risk to talk to their doctors about symptoms that may be in the worst scenario, signs of stomach cancer.
We have discussed some of the symptoms associated with stomach cancer, you need to pay attention to:
#1 Discomfort or pain in stomach area
You may have a feeling of tightness in the abdomen that can be the first sign of stomach cancer. Heartburn and indigestion are also common signs. As the disease progresses it is seen that swallowing becomes even more difficult. Swallowing troubles occur sooner with time.
#2 Heartburn or indigestion
You may feel queasy or have an acid reflux right after a heavy meal. At this point of time, it is better to go for a check up. There is a secretion of enzymes on its own which interfere with digestion and in case the tumor starts growing in size, it can also block the food that passes through the small intestine, hence the reflux.
#3 Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are the two problems that indicate many different problems which can range from a small virus or an ulcer to something that is more serious like stomach tumor. If the problem persists or get increasingly severe and there is blood in the vomit you need to contact the doctor.
#4 Feeling full or bloated after a small meal
You were hungry when you sat down to eat, But only after a few bites, your start feeling full and you don’t want to see food anymore. Doctors say it’s another symptom that indicates stomach cancer.
#5 Unexplained or sudden weight loss without trying
As of other signs, losing weight without trying can also be a sign of stomach cancer. As discussed earlier, a loss of appetite may develop over time. A feeling of being full after small meal limit eating leading to weight loss.
#6 Difficulty swallowing
This is considered as a rare symptom of stomach cancer and happens only in the advanced stages of the disease.
#7 Change in bowel pattern
Constipation, black colored stool could be a warning sign. These changes in bowel pattern do indicate something serious.
#8 Low-grade fever
If there is a malignancy growing in the stomach, it might be possible that a person starts experiencing recurrent episodes fever.
#9 Blood in stool
Blood in either your bowel or your vomit demands a visit to a nearby doctor. The blood in your stool will look maroon or tarry black and if the blood is in your vomit, it’s more likely to look bright red.
#10 Weakness and fatigue
The above symptoms lead to nutritional depletion and excessive weight loss.All this makes a person so tired that he can’t even walk a mile without shortness of breath.
In case you spot any of the above symptoms do not ignore these. We advise you to take a suggestion from your doctor straight away for a proper diagnosis.
