Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, otherwise known as gastric cancer, usually begins in the mucus-producing cells that line the inside of the stomach. This is the most common type of stomach cancer, and it is called adenocarcinoma.

Stomach cancer is uncommon in the United States, and is much more common in other areas of the world, such as Japan. Stomach cancer causes about 800,000 deaths per year. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of stomach cancer below:

The Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer are as follows:

When stomach cancer is in its earliest stages, it often causes no symptoms. As the cancer grows, common signs and symptoms are:

• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Abdominal discomfort or irritation
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling bloated after eating
• Feeling full even when eating small amounts
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Vomiting blood
• Blood in the stool
• Constipation

Note that these symptoms are common for other conditions, including celiac sprue, stomach virus, or ulcers.

The risk factors for stomach cancer are a history of long-term stomach inflammation, infection with h.pylori bacteria, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, eating smoked or pickled foods, eating foods containing aflatoxin fungus, a family history of stomach cancer, pernicious anemia, and lack of physical activity.

Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer

To make a diagnosis of stomach cancer, tests include an endoscopy, a barium swallow and a CT scan of the stomach. If abnormal tissue is detected, a biopsy is taken in order to examine the cells under a microscope.

Books For People with Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Stomach Cancer Resources

General Patient Resources

• National Cancer Institute

Information about stomach (gastric) cancer treatment, prevention, causes, screening, clinical trials, research and statistics from the National Cancer Institute.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/stomach

• Better Medicine

Information Including Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Causes, Videos, Forums, and local community support. Find answers to health issues you can trust.

http://www.bettermedicine.com/article/abdominal-cancer

• Family Doctor . org

Learn about the risks, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of stomach cancer.

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/cancer/types/817.html

• MD Anderson Cancer Center

Learn about types of stomach cancer, causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment available MD Anderson Cancer Center.

http://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/cancer-information/cancer-types/stomach-cancer/index.html

• No Stomach For Cancer

No Stomach For Cancer, Inc. is an approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing stomach cancer awareness and education, providing a network of support for families affected by stomach cancer, and funding research for screening, early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) and other diffuse gastric cancers and their related health risks.

http://www.nostomachforcancer.org/about-us

• Cancer Compass

Explore our stomach cancer forum today to research topics and find all the answers you’re looking for. Discuss treatment options and share information and stories.

http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/stomach-cancer/1,0,119,9.htm

• E Health Forum

Welcome to the Stomach Cancer Forum – a health community featuring member and doctor discussions ranging from a specific symptom to related conditions, treatment options and more.

http://ehealthforum.com/health/stomach_cancer.html

• Med Help

Stomach Cancer Help Forum. This forum is for help, questions and support regarding Stomach Cancer

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Stomach-Cancer/show/714

Medical Resources

• Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers signs, symptoms, causes and treatment of gastric cancer.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stomach-cancer/DS00301

• Web MD

Learn more about stomach cancer including the types, causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatments.

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/stomach-gastric-cancer

• Medline Plus

A service of the US National Library of Medicine.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/stomachcancer.html