Stomach Cancer Symptoms
Stomach Cancer Symptoms
Stomach cancer begins when cells in the stomach grow out of control, forming a tumor or abnormal growth. These changes can eventually cause signs and symptoms. Signs are things that can be measured or seen by a doctor, like a tumor visible during an endoscopy. Symptoms are things you feel in your body, like pain or nausea.
One of the most important things to know about stomach cancer is that it often causes no symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have already grown through the stomach wall or spread to nearby lymph nodes. This is one reason why stomach cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Early stomach cancer, when it does cause symptoms, may feel like common and less serious conditions such as indigestion, heartburn, or a stomach ulcer. This overlap can delay diagnosis.
If you notice any of the symptoms listed below, especially if they are new, persistent, or worsening, talk to your doctor. Do not assume that these symptoms are caused by something less serious without speaking with a healthcare provider.
THE BASICS: The most common symptoms of stomach cancer include persistent indigestion or heartburn, a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food, upper abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea, and loss of appetite. As the cancer grows, it may also cause unintended weight loss, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and blood in the stool or vomiting of blood. Because these symptoms are common and can have many causes, stomach cancer is often not suspected until symptoms become persistent or severe.
What are the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer?
Digestive symptoms
• Persistent indigestion or heartburn that does not go away with usual treatments
• A feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food, sometimes called early satiety
• Upper abdominal pain, discomfort, or a burning sensation
• Bloating or a sense of heaviness after meals
• Nausea, with or without vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing, particularly if the tumor is near the junction between the stomach and the esophagus
Symptoms of bleeding
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Black, tarry, or dark-colored stools, which can be a sign of bleeding in the upper digestive tract
• Blood in the stool
General symptoms
• Unintended weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue or unusual weakness, which can be caused by anemia from internal bleeding
• A general feeling of being unwell
Symptoms that may mean the cancer has spread
• Swelling or fluid buildup in the abdomen.
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, which can occur if cancer has spread to the liver or is blocking the bile duct.
• Swollen lymph nodes that can be felt in the neck or collarbone area.
• Bone pain or fractures, if cancer has spread to the bones.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, or notice changes to your health that concern you, talk to your doctor right away. Finding stomach cancer at an early stage gives you the best chance of successful treatment. Do not wait to see if symptoms go away on their own.