Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Stomach Cancer Symptoms

Stomach cancer often does not have symptoms in the early stages, or they can be vague and non-specific such as nausea or weight loss. Also, there is no single symptom that exactly pinpoints stomach cancer, therefore further evaluation and testing is required for a diagnosis.

Blood in the Stool

Blood in the stool is a symptom of stomach cancer, you can't always actually see blood that may be in the stool. Tests like the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) detect blood in the stool. Blood in the stool can also be related to other types of cancer, like colon cancet . It is also associated with less severe health problems, such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures .

Abdominal Pain and Discomfort

Abdominal pain is one of the most common stomach cancer symptoms and is usually what prompts people to seek medical attention. Abdominal pain can range from persistent mild discomfort to severe pain. Pain and discomfort generally occurs in the upper abdomen area. Persistent abdominal pain, regardless of where it occurs, needs to be evaluated by your doctor.

Peristent Nausea and/or Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are very non-specific symptoms that can be common among people with stomach cancer. Persistent nausea and/or vomiting needs to be checked by your doctor. It can indicate a serious health problem, and can cause damage to the lining of the Esophagus . If you are vomiting blood, it is important to see your doctor right away.

Loss of Appetite:
Not feeling like eating for a day or two can be normal, but anything longer should be really be reported to your doctor. Again, loss of appetite is a very vague symptom and is related to many health conditions.

Abdominal Bloating:

Abdominal bloating is also a common symptom of stomach cancer, especially after meals. Indigestion and Heartburn are also symptoms related to stomach cancer.

Changes in Bowel Habits:

Changes in bowels habits related to stomach cancer include constipation and/or diarrhea.

Feeling Excessively Tired

Fatigue that last more than a few days can indicate a medical problem. In relation to stomach cancer, fatigue is often related to Anemia, because of blood loss in the stool or from vomiting.

Losing Weight Without Trying

Most of us would welcome weight loss without dieting, but it really is a health concern that needs to be brought to your doctor's attention. If you have lost about 5 percent of your normal body weight in the course of six months or less, and haven't been dieting or exercising, call your doctor. Unintentional weight loss can be the result of many conditions, cancer included.

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