Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is one of the deadliest types of cancer in the world. It is so dangerous that it is the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Stomach cancer symptoms rarely appear in the early stages, making early detection difficult.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stomach cancer killed 769,000 people worldwide in 2020. Despite numerous risk factors, gastric carcinoma or adenocarcinoma causes 90-95 percent of stomach cancer. Cancer cells form in the skin tissue that forms in the mucosa of this type. The mucosa is the stomach’s inner lining that produces mucus.
Stomach Cancer Symptoms
According to Cancer Research UK, the following are possible stomach cancer symptoms :
- Dysphagia
Dysphagia is a condition that causes difficulty swallowing due to pain and a burning sensation in the throat or chest. As a result, digestion from the mouth to the stomach will take more effort and time.
- Weight loss
Weight loss without a reason should never be ignored because it could indicate that the body is experiencing problems, such as stomach cancer. This can result in a number of other conditions, including:
- Loss of appetite,
- Feeling full after eating small portions.
- Pain in the upper abdomen or behind the breastbone (sternum).
- Indigestion (dyspepsia) and belching
Indigestion that does not go away occurs as a result of stomach irritation. In general, this condition causes discomfort and heartburn after eating. When combined with the frequency of burping, the condition worsens.
When stomach acid rises back up (reflux) into the esophagus, a person must feel as if the air is trying to escape the stomach. If this happens repeatedly, it means that the stomach is having problems and cannot function normally.
- Pain
Blockages can be caused by stomach cancer. If left unchecked, it can be fatal because it paralyzes the digestive system to the point of causing pain.
Although uncommon, this condition can increase the likelihood of vomiting blood. Furthermore, long-term stomach bleeding will appear dark brown, similar to coffee grounds.
- Dark-colored stools
Bleeding from stomach cancer causes darker or blackish stools. However, if a person takes iron tablets, a similar condition can occur.
- Tired and Shortness of Breath
Extreme fatigue is the most common symptom experienced by cancer patients. This is caused by a decrease in the number of red blood cells (anemia), which causes the heart and lungs to receive insufficient oxygen.
It should be emphasized that the signs of stomach cancer are not allegations that should be taken lightly. If you have indigestion and heartburn every day for three weeks or longer, consult your doctor for the best treatment.
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