How Painful Is Stomach Cancer

Hard Stomach During Pregnancy

Generally, you expect a hard stomach when youre pregnant. Your hard-feeling stomach is caused by the pressure of your uterus growing and putting pressure on your abdomen.

The hardness of your stomach while pregnant can be more pronounced if you eat a low-fiber diet or drink a lot of carbonated beverages.

If your experience severe pain along with your hard stomach, you should see your OB-GYN or seek immediate medical attention. Sometimes severe pain in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is an indicator of miscarriage.

Although more common in the third trimester, in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, discomfort can come from labor contractions or Braxton-Hicks contractions. Typically Braxton-Hicks contractions pass. If the contractions dont pass and become more persistent, it might be a sign that youre going into labor.

These Signals Can Warn You

It is one of the most dangerous types of cancer: stomach cancer. Symptoms of stomach cancer typically go unnoticed until late in the disease, since the symptoms are usually minor in the beginning. On average, in Europe, 1 to 2 out of 100 men and 0.5 to 1 out of 100 women get stomach cancer. A small chance, but being aware of the symptoms is still important.

Heartburn That Won’t Quit

Heartburn, indigestion, and other common symptoms of an unhappy gut can also be early warning signs, according to resources from MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas. Again, Dr. Sarpel says these sorts of symptoms are much more likely to be something other than cancer. But its still a good idea to let your doctor know whats going on.

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Bloating Diarrhea And Constipation

It makes sense that a cancer growing in your stomach could make you feel bloated, or mess with your bowel movements. While each of these symptoms is never going to scream “stomach cancer!” to a doctor, experiencing them with some of the other issues on this list could lead to cancer-related follow-up testing if your doctor can’t pinpoint another explanation.

Cases Of Stomach Cancer In The Netherlands

Fortunately, the prevalence of stomach cancer has been declining for a while. The cases differ between men and women. The disease mainly occurs in men between the ages of 60 and 75. Most women who suffer from stomach cancer are 75 or older.

Curious about the symptoms of stomach cancer? Continue reading on the next page.

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Risk Factors For Gastric Cancer

• H pylori infection and atrophic gastritis

• Pernicious anaemia

Constant abdominal pain, and particularly back pain, are sinister symptoms implying local invasion by tumour. Chronic or acute bleeding from the tumour may occur, with consequent symptoms. There is often little to be found on examination, but there may be a palpable epigastric mass. The classic Troisier’s sign is rare.

What Are Stomach Cancer Treatments

Many treatments can fight stomach cancer. The one you and your doctor choose will depend on how long you’ve had the disease or how much it has spread in your body, called the stage of your cancer:

Stage 0. This is when the inside lining of your stomach has a group of unhealthy cells that may turn into cancer. Surgery usually cures it. Your doctor may remove part or all of your stomach, as well as nearby lymph nodes — small organs that are part of your body’s germ-fighting system.

Stage I. At this point, you have a tumor in your stomach’s lining, and it may have spread into your lymph nodes. As with stage 0, you’ll likely have surgery to remove part or all of your stomach and nearby lymph nodes. You might also get chemotherapy or chemoradiation. These treatments can be used before surgery to shrink the tumor and afterward to kill any cancer that’s left.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to attack cancer cells. Chemoradiation is chemo plus radiation therapy, which destroys cancer cells with beams of high energy.

Stage II. Cancer has spread into deeper layers of the stomach and maybe into nearby lymph nodes. Surgery to remove part or all of your stomach, as well as nearby lymph nodes, is still the main treatment. You’re very likely to get chemo or chemoradiation beforehand, and you might get one of them after, too.

You usually have surgery to remove your entire stomach, along with chemo or chemoradiation. This can sometimes cure it. If not, it can at least help with symptoms.

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Indigestion That Doesnt Go Away And Burping

You can get indigestion when acid from the stomach goes back up into the food pipe . Or you can get it if you have any irritation in your stomach. This often happens after eating .

Remember, indigestion is common and its not usually caused by cancer. Indigestion and heartburn can be very painful, even if nothings seriously wrong. See your doctor if youve had heartburn most days for 3 weeks or more.

Does Stomach Cancer Affect Men And Women Differently

It is important to look for signs of stomach cancer in adults over the age of 55. However, it most commonly affects those in their 60s or 70s. While it is crucial to be aware of the signs of stomach cancer in females, men are more likely to develop stomach cancer. In 2020, 16,980 men and 10,620 women are projected to be diagnosed with the disease. Men have a lifetime risk of 1 in 95 of developing stomach cancer, while women have a 1 in 154 risk. The signs of stomach cancer in men are typically no different than in women.

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Prognosis And Survival Rates Of Stomach Cancer

When someone is diagnosed with stomach cancer, their doctor will give them a prognosis. A prognosis is the doctors opinion of how likely it is that the cancer will spread and the chances of getting better. A prognosis depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the persons age and general health.

Generally, the earlier stomach cancer is diagnosed the better the chances of successful treatment. If the cancer is found after it has spread from the stomach, the prognosis is not usually as good.

If you have stomach cancer, your doctor will talk to you about your individual situation when working out your prognosis. Every persons experience is different, and there is support available to you.

How Stomach Cancer Spreads

There are 3 ways stomach cancer can spread:

• directly the cancer can spread from the stomach into nearby tissues and organs, such as the pancreas, colon, small intestine and peritoneum
• through the lymphatic system the lymphatic system is a series of glands located throughout your body, similar to the blood circulatory system the glands produce specialised cells needed by your immune system to fight infection
• through the blood which can cause the cancer to spread from the stomach to other parts of the body, most commonly the liver

Stomach cancer that spreads to another part of the body is known as metastatic stomach cancer.

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Early Warning Signs Of Stomach Cancer

Early signs of stomach cancer may include:

• Feeling full: Many stomach cancer patients experience a sense of “fullness” in the upper abdomen after eating small meals.
• Heartburn: Indigestion, heartburn or symptoms similar to an ulcer may be signs of a stomach tumor.
• Nausea and vomiting: Some stomach cancer patients have symptoms that include nausea and vomiting. Sometimes, the vomit contains blood.

Other common symptoms of cancers that develop in the stomach may include:

• Unexplained weight loss: Lack of appetite or unexplained weight loss is a common sign of cancer.
• Stomach pain: Abdominal discomfort or pain in the abdomen above the navel may be a symptom of a stomach tumor. Also, swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen may also be caused by stomach cancer.

Most of the time, stomach cancer isnt the reason for these symptomsthese are common discomforts that may be triggered by conditions such as an ulcer or a stomach virus, or even a heavy meal. Since many early-stage symptoms may easily be ignored or attributed to a more common cause, catching stomach cancer before it advances may be challenging.

Anyone experiencing early-stage stomach cancer symptoms that lack a known cause, or that seem to be worsening is urged to make a doctors appointment. Whether the symptoms are due to stomach cancer or something else, doctors may help identify the problem and treat it properly.

Serious Warning Signs Of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is a malignancy that begins in the cells of an individual’s stomach, which are the cells responsible for producing mucus. Stomach cancer occurs when damage occurs in the DNA of one of the cells that give it the ability to grow faster, multiply quicker, and live longer. Certain infections, obesity, some inherited conditions, and smoking can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Stomach cancer can be diagnosed through a physical exam, blood tests, upper endoscopy, CT scans, barium swallow x-ray, or stomach biopsy.

Stomach cancer treatment may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy. A combination of these treatments is necessary to cure stomach cancer. Many patients will also need certain pain medications and other cancer medicines to assist them and make the journey easier.

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After A Diagnosis Of Stomach Cancer

After being diagnosed with a stomach cancer, you may feel shocked, upset, anxious or confused. These are normal responses. A diagnosis of a stomach or oesophageal cancer affects each person differently. For most it will be a difficult time, however some people manage to continue with their normal daily activities.

You may find it helpful to talk about your treatment options with your doctors, family and friends. Ask questions and seek as much information as you feel you need. It is up to you as to how involved you want to be in making decisions about your treatment.

Learn more about best stomach cancer care:

You’re Getting Full Way Sooner Than Usual While Eating

This is actually a sign of later-stage stomach cancer, but its worth noting. Early satiety happens when your stomach muscles can no longer push food through the intestines properly, says Ocean. The stomach becomes distended and people feel stuffed, but in reality its just that the food isnt going anywhere.

This full-too-soon feeling can be caused by a tumor, but can also be caused by a non-cancerous condition called gastroparesis, which happens when a person has the sensation that something is obstructing their stomach, but medical scans don’t show anything.

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What Is Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, occurs when normal healthy cells are replaced by growing cancer cells within the stomach lining. The stomach is located directly below the esophagus, the tube that food moves through to get to the intestines after swallowing. The stomach is one part of the digestive tract that digests food and moves nutrients through the gut to the small intestine.

Since this type of cancer is typically slow-growing, it can take years to develop. Stomach cancer often starts when cells that were once healthy begin growing out of control in the mucosa of the stomach lining. This collection of cancerous cells is known as a tumor, and over time these cells spread into other layers of the stomach.

Early Symptoms Are Commonlyoverlooked

Early stomach cancer symptoms are typically so unremarkable that they go completely unnoticed.

Stomach cancer is one of those tricky diagnoses where most people may have retrospectively felt symptoms, but theyre usually vague symptoms that can be confused with many other benign gastrointestinal disorders.

Some of these early symptoms include:

• Bloating.
• Nausea.
• A general feeling of discomfort.

Because these symptoms tend to be dismissed as normal GI issues and they are for most people when stomach cancer is finally diagnosed, its often in the advanced stages.

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Changes In Bowel Habits

Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea and constipation, are common occurrences that everyone experiences at one time or another. But persistent changes, including intermittent bouts of constipation and diarrhea, may be early signs of stomach cancer.

Cancer itself can alter digestion and lead to these problems. At the same time, as the malignancy spreads, it can cause the narrowing of the intestinal passageway and the onset of constipation. The accumulation of fluid behind the stricture can eventually cause the release of watery diarrhea, typically accompanied by acute abdominal pain.

How Is It Diagnosed

Since people with stomach cancer rarely show symptoms in the early stages, the disease is often not diagnosed until its more advanced.

To make a diagnosis, your doctor will first perform a physical exam to check for any abnormalities. They may also order a blood test, including a test for the presence of H. pylori bacteria.

More diagnostic tests will need to be done if your doctor believes that you show signs of stomach cancer. Diagnostic tests specifically look for suspected tumors and other abnormalities in the stomach and esophagus. These tests may include:

• an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

NCI , around 30 percent of all people with stomach cancer survive at least five years after being diagnosed.

The majority of these survivors have a localized diagnosis. This means that the stomach was the original source of the cancer. When the origin is unknown, it can be difficult to diagnose and stage the cancer. This makes the cancer harder to treat.

Its also more difficult to treat stomach cancer once it reaches the later stages. If your cancer is more advanced, you may want to consider participating in a clinical trial.

Clinical trials help determine whether a new medical procedure, device, or other treatment is effective for treating certain diseases and conditions. You can see if there are any clinical trials of treatments for stomach cancer on the

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Diagnosis Of Stomach Cancer

If your doctor thinks you may have stomach cancer, you will be referred for further tests. The main test is an endoscopy . The doctor will use a thin, flexible tube with a camera , which passes into the mouth, down the throat and oesophagus into the stomach in order to look at the digestive tract.

If any suspicious-looking areas are detected, a small amount of tissue from the stomach lining may be removed and examined under a microscope. Less commonly used is an endoscopic ultrasound where the endoscope has an ultrasound probe at the end.

Signs And Symptoms Of Stomach Cancer

Early-stage stomach cancer rarely causes symptoms. In countries where screening for stomach cancer is not routine, such as the United States, most stomach cancers arent found until theyve grown fairly large or have spread outside the stomach.

When stomach cancer does cause signs and symptoms, they can include:

• Poor appetite
• Vague discomfort in the abdomen, usually above the navel
• Feeling full after eating only a small meal
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Vomiting, with or without blood
• Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen
• Blood in the stool
• Feeling tired or weak, as a result of having too few red blood cells
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes , if the cancer spreads to the liver

Most of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by things other than stomach cancer, such as a viral infection or an ulcer. Some of these symptoms may also be caused by other types of cancer. But people who have any of these problems, especially if they dont go away or get worse, should see a doctor so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.

Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.

Ku GY, Ilson DH. Chapter 72: Cancer of the Stomach. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloffs Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier 2020.

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Warning Symptoms Of Stomach Cancer You Should Not Ignore

Stomach cancer has a reputation for being one of the most painful forms of cancer. But for many sufferers, pain is not among the early warning signs of stomach cancer. The most characteristic feature in the early stages may be that it causes no symptoms at all. There are types of gastric cancer that vary according to their stage.

We all get stomachaches from time to time, and that can make people worry about stomach cancer. But its not one of the most common cancers, and in most cases, stomachaches or pain are not going to be the result of cancer. Stomach cancer description is easy upon learning these warning signs of stomach cancer. The list of symptoms are well organized you should press the next button below each symptom to move to the next one.

What Causes Stomach Cancer

Scientists donât know exactly what makes cancer cells start growing in the stomach. But they do know a few things that can raise your risk for the disease. One of them is infection with a common bacteria, H. pylori, which causes ulcers. Inflammation in your gut called gastritis, a certain type of long-lasting anemia called pernicious anemia, and growths in your stomach called polyps also can make you more likely to get cancer.

Other things that seem to play a role in raising the risk include:

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