Everyone experiences stomach pain and discomfort from time to time, thanks to belly insects or eating something that did not agree with them. But if you notice persistent or deteriorating stomach problems, you may wonder if you should worry, and it can be easy to jump to sausage-case scenarios such as stomach cancer.
The most important thing to know is that if you experience strange symptoms, this is probably not cancer. In fact, stomach cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is pretty unusual, good for only 1.5% of all new cancer cases In the United States every year. But that does not mean that you have to ignore any discomfort that you feel.
Read on for more information about possible signs and symptoms of stomach cancer. Moreover, learn about the possible causes of stomach cancer and when you need to get help with stomach symptoms that you experience.
Signs of stomach cancer may not be noticeable early
Stomach cancer develops slowly, and therefore so many people do not experience any symptoms. And if they do, early signs and symptoms of stomach cancer can look a lot like other health problems, such as acid reflux.
Stomach cancer is a kind of cancer that forms in the lining of the stomach. In the US it usually occurs in the gastroesophageal junction where the esophagus connects with the stomach. But in other parts of the world it is found more regularly in most of the stomach where food breaks down.
Stomach cancer starts when small changes occur in the DNA of the stomach cells, making them too multip. As these cells accumulate, they can form abnormal cancer -like growths called tumors.
Early symptoms of stomach cancer
The first noticeable symptoms of stomach cancer can be:
- Stomache or discomfort
- A feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food
- Changes in appetite
- Discomfort in the area above the navel button
- Fatigue
- Stomach acid
- Indigestion
- Nausea
Symptoms of more advanced gastric cancer
As stomach cancer progresses, it can also cause more serious symptoms, such as:
- Anemia (where the body does not have enough red blood cells to wear the amount of oxygen it needs)
- Blood in the stool or stool that is darker than normal
- Swallow
- Drastic, inexplicable or unintended weight loss
- Jaundice (a liver disorder that can cause the skin and eyes)
- Severe stomach
- Visible swelling in the abdomen
- Vomiting, with or without blood
How does stomach cancer feel?
Symptoms of stomach cancer are difficult to notice, especially in the beginning. You can attribute symptoms such as stomach acid, nausea or fatigue as a result of a large meal or a busy day. But if the symptoms do not disappear or get worse over time, make an appointment with your doctor.
Later symptoms are more painful and noticeable and a boring abdominal pain can turn into a sharper, more persistent pain. Moreover, the clothing of a person can feel tighter than normal due to swelling of the abdomen and liquid structure. And nausea and fatigue can increase, which can significantly influence daily life.
Is belly swelling a symptom of stomach cancer?
When cancer occurs in the stomach, a structure of liquid can be called, ascites that causes belly swelling. It occurs in about 18% of people with the diagnosis of stomach cancer and is usually not one of the first signs.
Causes and risk factors of stomach cancer
When it comes to stomach cancer, there are not many identifiable causes. Scientists think it happens when there is a mutation in the DNA of the stomach cells. They are not exactly certain why this mutation takes place, but they have identified genetic and lifestyle risk factors who can increase the chances of stomach cancer:
- A family history of stomach cancer
- Being 65 and older (about 60% of the stomach cancer in the US comes everywhere with older people)
- Male
- Be overweight
- Certain genetic disorders, such as Lynch syndrome and family adenomatous polyposis (both hereditary forms of bowel cancer)
- Alcohol
- Eating a diet with a lot of salt and smoked food, and few vegetables and vegetables
- Gastro -osophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as chronic acid reflux
- With an H. Pylori infection, a common bacterium that can infect the stomach wall and contributes to the development of cancer
- History of stomach polyps or stomach ulcers
- Smoking
- Stomach infection
If you experience symptoms, they are probably not caused by stomach cancer. Yet you want to see your doctor to find out what causes them and starts treatment as soon as possible. If you have a higher risk of stomach cancer, your doctor may recommend screening for stomach cancer before you have symptoms, so make sure you let them inform them of your risk factors.
At your appointment, your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms and medical history. Other tests can be:
- An upper endoscopy – This is the most common test for stomach cancer. Your doctor places a thin tube with a camera in your mouth until it reaches your stomach. During this procedure they can also remove a tissue sample for testing (this is called a biopsy).
- Endoscopic ultrasound – This can determine the stage of your cancer. It can also take photos of the inside of your stomach to show if cancer has spread.
- Imaging tests -Tests such as X -rays and ultrasound can help identify tumors that can be cancer and how far the cancer has spread.
- A barium swallow study -If you get X -rays, your doctor may ask you to do a barium swallow study. During the test you drink a thick, lime -like liquid (barium) that covers the inside of your stomach. The barium outlines the shape of your stomach on X -rays, making it easier for your doctor to see if there should be something other than it should be.
- Blood test – These cannot detect stomach cancer, but they can find changes in the blood that can be caused by cancer. They can also measure how other organs function. If they do not function properly, this can be a sign that cancer has spread outside the stomach.
The prevention of stomach cancer starts with tackling risk factors
There are things you can do at home to reduce your chance of developing stomach cancer and improving your overall health, including:
- Treat stomach conditions immediately – It is important to follow every treatment plan for stomach disorders, because if they remain untreated, they can increase your risk of stomach cancer. This is particularly the case if you test a positive test for H. Pylori, which increases the risk of cancer in the lower and middle parts of the stomach.
- Eat less salt and smoked food – It may be easier to reach for pre -packaged or fast food, but a diet with a lot of salt and smoked food increases your risk of stomach cancer. To reduce your risk, you reduce the consumption of over -processed foods, try to eat more fruit and vegetables and pick lean meat, such as chicken or turkey, over red meat.
- Significantly reduce or stop using tobacco use – Smoking can more than double your risk of stomach cancer. Tobacco use can irritate the lining of your stomach, which can damage the cells and cause genetic changes. It can also reduce the effectiveness of the treatment of H. Pylori. If you need help, contact your doctor. Insurance members for health partners cannot receive a cost support from a health coach to help them stop and stay -free.
- Exercise regularly – Exercise lowers your risk for many disorders, including cardiovascular disease, obesity and stomach cancer. Adults who get the recommended amount of exercise reduce their risk of stomach cancer by 50%. And those who go beyond the recommended amount of exercise can reduce their risk even further.
- Be at the right weight for you – Your risk of stomach cancer and other disorders such as GERD is higher if you are very overweight. Eating a balanced diet and regular exercise are good first steps, but it is not always easy to manage your weight, even if you do everything well. If you are struggling with your weight, talk to your doctor for other recommendations, such as talking to a nutritionist or specialist in medical weight loss.
Talk to your doctor about stomach symptoms that do not disappear
Everyone experiences abdominal pain, heartburn, indigestion and changes in appetite. In many cases it is fine to take an antacida and continue. But if you often have these symptoms, or they don’t go away, it’s time to get help.
Plan an appointment with your doctor for primary care. They can take a look at your symptoms, make a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible. If necessary, they refer to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or oncologist for extra treatment.
