What are the signs of gastric cancer

The symptoms of gastric cancer are often nonspecific, and the majority of people will unfortunately present with advanced disease. The vast majority of gastric cancer patients present with vague complaints such as upper abdominal discomfort or indigestion, loss of appetite, occasional vomiting, belching, or decreased ability to eat a large meal. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often the exact symptoms that patients experience when they have peptic ulcer disease or gastritis. Therefore, patients can be treated for benign diseases, such as ulcers, without the diagnosis of gastric cancers being made. This is not incorrect management, as gastritis and peptic ulcer disease are much more common than gastric cancer. However, if symptoms persist or do not respond to treatment, further investigations should follow.

Up to 25% of people with gastric cancer will have a history of gastric ulcers. Other symptoms, such as vomiting blood or problems with swallowing, are less common, but should be investigated without delay. Additional symptoms that generally apply to cancer patients are unexplained weight loss as well as fatigue and weakness, with or without anemia. Again, these symptoms are, unfortunately, nondescript, and do not necessarily apply to cancer in general or gastric cancer specifically.. Advanced disease can present with lymph node involvement with masses in the area of the belly button, the underarms, or the clavicle. People with advanced disease may also present with abdominal swelling.