Symptoms of gastric cancer can be vague and easily mistaken for other conditions, delaying diagnosis. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, changes in bowel habits, anemia, bloody stools, abdominal tenderness, bloating, heartburn, and weight loss. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, with prognosis depending on the size, type, and location of the cancer. Patients with a family history of gastric cancer should note this during tests.
Symptoms of gastric cancer often appear vague at first and may initially respond to treatments for other conditions, delaying any diagnosis. They can include fatigue, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. Many gastric cancers are curable and the prognosis for the patient can be good if the problem is diagnosed early. Patients seeking treatment for symptoms involving the gastrointestinal tract should detail symptoms and provide as much family history information as possible to increase the chances of early identification of gastric cancers.
People with gastric cancers often find that they feel more tired than usual and may develop anemia. Bloody stools may occur, indicative of inflammation in the intestines. Stools may also become loose and change color or texture over time. Symptoms of gastric cancer may include increased bowel urgency or the opposite symptom, where patients need to use the toilet less.
Nausea and vomiting, along with weight loss, are also warning signs of gastric cancer. Symptoms of gastric cancer can involve tenderness and pain in the abdomen, as well as abdominal bloating. Heartburn may occur and patients may experience a decrease in appetite. Symptoms may initially be mistaken for a passing stomach flu or mild intestinal irritation, especially if people are stressed, have recently traveled or changed their diet. Over time, symptoms can become more severe.
It is important to be aware that not all gastric cancer symptoms will appear in every patient. Some patients, for example, never vomit or experience significant abdominal tenderness until the final stages of the disease. The vague symptoms can lead patients and caregivers on a wild goose chase with tests for infections, ulcers and other problems before the cancer is finally identified. Patients with a family history of gastric cancer are at increased risk and should make sure this is noted during tests.
Once the symptoms of gastric cancer are identified and the tumor is located, treatment options vary. Sometimes surgery can be used to remove the tumor. Patients may also respond well to chemotherapy and radiation. The prognosis depends on the size, type and location of the cancer when it is first diagnosed. Seeing a specialist can provide access to more treatments, as well as allow patients to receive care from someone with a lot of experience in this area who may have better outcomes for patients due to extensive familiarity with gastric cancers and their associated complications .
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