Stomach Cancer Symptoms

Gastric cancer is a severe disease that can develop in the stomach. This article will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. You can also learn more about the disease’s prevention. However, the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer should not be ignored because they can lead to severe consequences. If you are experiencing any of these signs, consult your doctor.

Symptoms

Symptoms of stomach cancer vary from person to person, depending on where the tumor is located and whether it has spread to nearby tissue. Therefore, it’s important to visit a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis since an early diagnosis may mean a more successful treatment. Below are some common signs and symptoms.

Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that forms when cells in the stomach undergo a genetic mutation. DNA is what tells cells to divide and grow and when to die. If the cells have the wrong DNA, they begin to increase and can invade healthy tissue. In time, these cells can break off and spread to other body parts.

Stomach cancer may also cause blood to leak from the stomach. This can lead to anemia, which causes fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath. It may also cause vomiting of blood or dark, sticky feces. In the later stages, stomach cancer can spread to nearby organs and produce more noticeable symptoms. Other symptoms may include bowel obstruction, fractures, neurologic changes, and abdominal fluid.

Diagnosis

The first step in the diagnosis of stomach cancer is to determine the type of stomach cancer. There are two types of stomach cancer: primary and secondary. Primary gastric cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the antrum. It can cause “hungry” pains at night and may be associated with other diseases such as pancreatic cancer or kidney cancer. Patients may also experience arthralgia, hemorrhagic vasculitis, and thrombosis.

If the symptoms persist, a doctor may need to perform an endoscopic ultrasound to determine the tumor’s exact location. This is done using a miniature optical device and an echoendoscope. The new equipment has a high resolution and can detect even minute amounts of tissue. In addition, the ultrasound is high-frequency so it can penetrate deep into the mucosa.

In some patients, cancerous stomach growth may occur around the edges of the ulcer. These growths are known as polyps. They usually look like mushroom caps with a long, broad base. They can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters.

Treatment

Treatment for stomach cancer symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the disease. It may be surgical or may involve chemo or radiation therapy. In some cases, cancer may spread to other body parts. The primary goal of treatment is to remove cancerous cells and tumors. Sometimes, the doctor may also try to prevent cancer from growing back or spreading.

Early symptoms of stomach cancer may be difficult to detect as the signs may be similar to those of other conditions. They may be mistaken for infections or ulcers. In advanced stages, patients may vomit blood or have dark, sticky feces. Later, stomach cancer symptoms can include bowel obstruction, fractures, neurologic changes, and abdomen swelling.

A genetic mutation in stomach cells causes stomach cancer. DNA tells cells when to grow or die, so stomach cancer cells overgrow and replace healthy cells. The condition is more common in people with African, Native American, and Hispanic heritage. However, it can also affect people from other parts of the world.