Everyone suffers from stomach pain and discomfort from time to time, thanks to the abdominal insects or eating something that does not agree with them. But if you notice continuous or exacerbated stomach problems, you may start asking if you need anxiety, and it may be easy to jump to worse scenarios such as stomach cancer.
The important thing to know is that if you suffer from any strange symptoms, it is likely not to be cancer. In fact, stomach cancer, which is also called stomach cancer, is somewhat common, which represents only 1.5 % of all new cancer cases In the United States every year. But this does not mean that you must ignore any discomfort you feel.
Read more to learn more about possible signs and symptoms of stomach cancer. In addition, learn about the possible causes of stomach cancer and when you get help in the symptoms of the stomach it suffers from.
Signs of stomach cancer may not be noticeable
Stomach cancer develops slowly, which is why many people do not suffer from any symptoms. And if they do so, early signs and symptoms of stomach cancer can look like other health conditions, such as acid reflux.
Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that is formed in the lining of the stomach. In the United States, it occurs commonly at the intersection of gastric stomach where the esophagus is connected to the stomach. But in other regions of the world, it is regularly found in the main part of the stomach where food collapses.
Stomach cancer begins when small changes in the DNA of stomach cells occur, causing increased culture. With the accumulation of these cells, an abnormal cancerous growth can be called tumors.
Early symptoms of stomach cancer
The first noticeable symptom of stomach cancer can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
- Changes in appetite
- Disturbing in the area above the abdomen button
- exhaustion
- heartburn
- indigestion
- nausea
Symptoms of stomach cancer are more advanced
As stomach cancer progress, it can also cause more severe symptoms, such as:
- Anemia (where the body does not contain enough red blood cells to carry the amount of oxygen it needs)
- Blood in stool or stool is darker than usual
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of weight is severe, unintended or unintended
- Jaundice (the condition of the liver that can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Stomach
- Visual swelling
- Vomiting, with or without blood
How does stomach cancer feel?
It may be difficult to notice the symptoms of stomach cancer, especially at first. Symptoms such as heartburn, nausea or fatigue may be attributed due to a large meal or a crowded day. But if the symptoms do not disappear or get worse over time, set an appointment with the primary care doctor.
Subsequent symptoms are more painful and noticeable, and dull stomach pain can turn into more severe and stable pain. In addition, the person’s clothes may feel more tight than usual due to the stomach swelling and fluid accumulation. Nausea and fatigue may increase, which may significantly affect daily life.
Is swelling of the abdomen a symptom of stomach cancer?
When cancer occurs in the stomach, there can be a accumulation of liquid called ascites, which causes swelling of the abdomen. This occurs in about 18 % of people with stomach cancer and there is usually not one of the first signs.
Causes and factors of risk to stomach cancer
When it comes to stomach cancer, there are not many reasons that can be identified. Scientists believe this happens when there is a mutation in the DNA of stomach cells. They are not completely sure of the cause of this mutation, but they have identified genetic risk factors and lifestyle that can increase the chances of stomach cancer:
- Family history of stomach cancer
- 65 years or older (about 60 % of stomach cancer in the United States occurs for the elderly)
- Be a male
- Expensive
- Some genetic conditions, such as lynch syndrome and family polish -minded (both genetic forms of colon cancer)
- Drink a lot of alcohol
- Eat a high diet in salty and smoked foods, and a decrease in fruits and vegetables
- Esoplasty islands (GERD), also known as chronic acid reflux
- The presence of H
- History of benign tumors in the stomach or stomach ulcers
- smoking
- gastritis
If you suffer from symptoms, may not cause stomach cancer. However, you will want to see your doctor to find out its cause and start treatment as soon as possible. If you are at risk of stomach cancer, your doctor may recommend examination of stomach cancer before you have any symptoms, so be sure to tell them about risk factors.
On your date, your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about symptoms and medical history. Other tests may include:
- Alawite endoscopy This is the most common test of stomach cancer. Your doctor inserts a thin tube with a camera in your mouth until it reaches your stomach. During this procedure, they can also remove the tissue sample for the test (this is called a biopsy).
- Endoscopic ultrasound – This can determine your cancer stage. It can also take pictures of your stomach to show whether the cancer has spread.
- Photography tests Tests such as X -rays and ultrasound can help in identifying tumors that may be cancerous and the extent of cancer.
- Study of swallowing barium -If you get X -rays, your doctor may ask you to conduct a porium swallowing study. During the test, drink a thick liquid (barium) that is restored to your stomach. Barium determines the shape of your stomach on X -rays, making it easier for your doctor to know if anything looks different from what should be.
- Blood tests – They cannot discover stomach cancer, but they can find changes in blood that may be caused by cancer. They can also measure how other organs work. If they do not work properly, this may be a sign that cancer has spread beyond the stomach.
Preventing stomach cancer begins with the treatment of risk factors
There are things you can do at home to reduce your chance to develop stomach cancer and improve your general health, including:
- Treating stomach conditions immediately It is important to follow any treatment plan for stomach conditions, because if they are left without treatment, it can increase the risk of stomach cancer. This is especially true if you have a positive test for H. Pylori, which increases the risk of cancer in the lower and medium parts of the stomach.
- Eat salty and smoked foods less – It may be easier to access fast or fast food, but a high diet in salty and smoked foods increases the risk of stomach cancer. To reduce your risk, reduce eating excessive foods, try to eat more fruits and vegetables, and choose chicken -free meat, such as chicken or turkey, on red meat.
- Reduce or quit tobacco use significantly Smoking can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Using tobacco can irritate your stomach lining, which may harm cells and cause genetic changes. It can also reduce the effectiveness of H. pylori treatment. If you need to take off, contact your doctor. Healthpartners Insurance members can also obtain support without a cost of a health trainer to help them stop stopping and tobacco -free.
- Regularly Exercise reduces the risk of many cases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity and stomach cancer. Adults who get the recommended amount of exercise reduce the risk of stomach cancer by 50 %. Those who exceed the recommended exercise can reduce their risks more.
- To be in the right weight for you The risk of stomach cancer and other conditions such as esophagus is higher if you are overweight. Eating a balanced diet and getting exercise regularly is good steps, but it is not always easy to manage your weight, even if you do everything properly. If you are struggling with your weight, talk to your doctor for other recommendations, such as speaking to a dietitian or a medical weight loss specialist.
Talk to your doctor about the symptoms of the stomach that does not disappear
Everyone tests stomach pain at times, heartburn, indigestion and changes in appetite. In many cases, it is good to take antacids and move forward. But if you have these symptoms frequently, or do not disappear, it is time to get help.
Make an appointment with an initial care doctor. They can look at your symptoms, make a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible. If necessary, they will refer you to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or oncologist for additional treatment.