Symptoms of stomach cancer can be very difficult to identify. People with these symptoms may feel confused or scared. But it’s important to get a diagnosis so that you can start treating the problem and prevent it from worsening.
Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that develops slowly over time. There are many factors that contribute to its development. These include genetic changes, infectious factors, and environmental factors. A person can also increase their risk of stomach cancer by having a family history of the disease. There are also some behavioral changes that can help prevent stomach cancer.
In the early stages of stomach cancer, there are no symptoms. However, the tumor can get larger before symptoms develop. When this happens, a person may begin to experience bleeding in the stomach. They may also experience anemia, which is a decrease in the number of red blood cells. Anemia can result in fatigue and pale skin. It may also lead to shortness of breath.
Stomach cancer symptoms can also occur when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. For example, the tumor may have spread to the lungs. This may cause shortness of breath, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It may also cause a person to vomit blood or other materials. In addition, blood in the vomit may be dark brown, sticky, or fresh.
If your doctor thinks you may have stomach cancer, he or she will want to perform a physical exam and a series of tests. Some of these tests may include a blood test to look for excess substances that may indicate cancer. Others include an endoscope, which looks at your stomach. The doctor may also recommend other treatments before and after surgery.
If the tumor is in the upper stomach, the doctor may need to perform surgery to remove the tumor. Surgery can include a partial gastrectomy, which removes parts of the stomach and oesophagus, as well as other tissues near the tumor. The doctor may also remove part of the spleen. The spleen is a part of the digestive system that filters blood. The spleen also makes lymphocytes, which are cells that attack cancer cells.
If the cancer has spread to the lungs, you may experience breathing difficulties. You may also have trouble swallowing and have difficulty absorbing nutrients from foods. You may also experience pain or indigestion. In addition, you may experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and unexplained weight loss. Depending on your diagnosis, you may need to undergo radiation therapy to treat the cancer.
If the cancer has spread to the esophagus, the doctor may recommend a procedure called endoscopic mucosal resection. This involves using an endoscope with an ultrasound probe to look at the stomach. The doctor will also remove parts of the oesophagus and the nearby lymph nodes. If the cancer has spread to the lungs, it may require surgery to remove them as well.
Symptoms of stomach cancer are very similar to those of other diseases and conditions. In fact, stomach cancer symptoms may be mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, or other conditions. If you have a condition that is causing unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, or an unusual rash, you should see your doctor immediately.
