What You Need to Know About Stomach Cancer Symptoms:
Stomach cancer often does not have symptoms in the early stages, or they can be vague and non-specific; such as nausea or rapid weight loss. There is no single symptom that exactly pinpoints stomach cancer which therefore requires further evaluation and testing for a correct diagnosis.
Blood in the Stool is a symptom of stomach cancer; however, you can’t always actually see blood that may be in the stool. Tests like the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) detect blood in the stool. This symptom can also be related to other types of cancer, such as colon cancer. It is also associated with less severe health problems, such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
Abdominal Pain is one of the most common stomach cancer symptoms. Most people think that the abdomen and stomach are the same; in reality the stomach is an organ within the abdomen. Abdominal pain can range from persistently meek discomfort to severe pain. Persistent abdominal pain generally occurs in the upper abdomen area. This is one of the first causes for checking in with your doctor.
Persistent Nausea and/or Vomiting aren’t very specific symptoms that can be common among people with stomach cancer. However, it can indicate a serious health problem, and can cause damage to the lining of your esophagus. If you are vomiting blood, it is important to see your doctor right away.
Loss of Appetite or not feeling like eating for a day or two can be normal, but anything longer should really be reported to your doctor. Again, loss of appetite is a very vague symptom and is related to many health conditions, not just stomach cancer.
Abdominal Bloating is also a common symptom of stomach cancer, especially after meals. Indigestion and heartburn are also symptoms related to stomach cancer.
Changes in Bowel Habits related to stomach cancer include constipation and/or diarrhea. This is serious if it happens within a span of 2-3 months.
Tired out or Fatigued for more than a few days can indicate a medical problem. In stomach cancer, fatigue is often related to anemia due to blood loss in the stool or from vomiting.
Coughs that are seriously intense, even for non smokers or hoarseness of voice that persists for more than two weeks needs to be investigated. Considering the above, patients that do smoke face coughs that are much more intense.
Rapid Weight Loss without Dieting or exercising would be a Godsend, but it really is a health concern that needs to be brought to your doctor’s attention. If you have lost about 5-10% percent of your normal body weight in the course of 3-6 months or less, and haven’t been dieting or exercising, call your doctor. Unintentional weight loss can be the result of many conditions, including cancer.