The biggest bummer about stomach cancer is that the symptoms are almost the same as regular stomach ailments such as IBS, gallstones or gastritis, however the catch here is to remain attentive to your problems because while gastric acidity, reflux and stomach infections clear up after a host of problems, the warning signs of stomach cancer on the other hand are persistent, long term, low intensity and don’t seem to subside.
Surprisingly though pain isn’t one of the early warning signs or major symptoms of stomach cancer even though the later stages of stomach cancer can be extremely painful. The most common aspect of stomach cancer is that it hardly displays many symptoms in the early stages according to Umut Sarpel MD, associate professor and surgical oncologist at New York’s Mount Sinai Health System. Here are the 6 warning signs of stomach cancer that are a major indication that you need to get yourself checked to prevent the disease.
Even as colitis, Hemorrhoids and Crohns disease can cause blood in the stool, blood in your poop means it’s time to see a doctor. If the blood is a possible indication of stomach cancer, the color will be maroon or tarry black which means digestive enzymes have acted upon the blood to make it appear so.
If your vomit contains blood then it will have a coarse texture resembling coffee grounds and look bright red.
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Even though before eating you were hungry, your appetite subsides just after a few spoonfuls of food because food isn’t appealing and you experience early satiety. According to Dr Sarpel, this could be a sign of stomach cancer. When you start feeling unusually full then that should never be ignored.
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Even as it has been mentioned that pain isn’t an indication of the early stages of stomach cancer, pain in stomach cancer appears as a dull gnawing sensation in the midsection of the abdominal area. It is persistent and does not go away like pain associated with other stomach problems. In most cases intense stomach pain is never an indication of early stomach cancer and could be due to a variety of stomach or intestinal conditions such as colic, gastritis, stomach infection etc.
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As with Crohn’s disease, type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease and Crohn’s disease, unusual weight loss is one of the warning signs of stomach cancer. Weight loss without diet and a health routine is something to be concerned about. Weight loss of about ten pounds over 6 months is normal but if it’s a sudden spurt in weight loss, consults your doctor.
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While this is something scary to read but relax!! Regular heartburn could also be your digestive system’s reaction to a certain food not agreeing with you. The problem here is that heartburn and indigestion is also associated with conditions such as gall stones so it is advisable to get a USG done to eliminate the possibilities of such diseases, first before making an assumption of cancer. However persistent heartburn and buts of indigestion should be informed to your doctor.
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It’s logical that a cancer in the stomach could cause constant bloating or irregular bowel movements such as alternating constipation and diarrhea. However such symptoms could also indicate IBS and other gut problems. It is advisable to follow up such problems with cancer tests to be on the safe side in case your doctor can’t make a correct diagnosis or the symptoms don’t go away despite diet and medication.
If you do experience any of these warning signs of stomach cancer, it is advisable to consult with your doctor who may prescribe tests such as an endoscopy, Biopsy, USG, MRI, Barium X-ray and PET scan. If you suffer from bloated stomach due to other causes then read this.
12 Proven Ways To Rid Yourself Of Bloating And A Large Belly Without Abs Exercises
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