Stomach cancer, medically termed gastric cancer, arises from the malignant growth of cells in the stomach lining. Over the past six decades, there has been a significant decline in the number of individuals diagnosed with this condition.
Initially, when gastric cancer forms, it typically remains small and asymptomatic. Some cases may progress without causing noticeable symptoms until they reach an advanced stage. Initial manifestations might include:
- Upper abdominal pain or discomfort, particularly after meals
- Indigestion (although most cases of indigestion are not indicative of stomach cancer)
- Nausea and loss of appetite, often accompanied by a feeling of fullness after eating
- Weight loss
In some instances, blood may be present in the stools, appearing as black feces (melaena) or dark blood. Bright red bleeding, while less common with stomach cancer, suggests severe bleeding in the stomach or bowel.
As the cancer progresses, symptoms may intensify, leading to:
- Exacerbation of the aforementioned symptoms
- General malaise and increased fatigue
- Anemia due to recurrent bleeding from the tumor, resulting in heightened fatigue
- Potential obstruction of food and liquid passage as the tumor grows larger
Moreover, if the cancer metastasizes to other organs, additional symptoms may arise.
When individuals present to their doctors with concerning signs or symptoms, suspicion of gastric cancer may arise based on clinical evaluation. In such cases, a comprehensive medical history is obtained, and a physical examination is conducted. Further diagnostic tests are then performed to confirm the diagnosis if stomach cancer is suspected.