Stomach cancer, or gastric carcinoma, is a type of cancer that affects the stomach. Adenocarcinoma, which occurs in the inside lining of the stomach, is the most common type of stomach cancer. According to 2009 information from the Mayo Clinic, stomach cancer is less common in the United States than in other countries, such as Japan, and the number of people diagnosed with stomach cancer is declining in the U.S. each year. However, proper diagnosis and treatment is still imperative to preventing fatal symptoms.
Stomach-Specific Symptoms
Many stomach cancer patients experience common digestive symptoms. It is not uncommon for stomach cancer sufferers to feel bloated after eating, or to find that they can only eat a small amount of food before feeling full. As the esophagus becomes inflamed or irritated, some patients find that they need to belch more often than normal as their food digests. This belching may lead to heartburn or indigestion. Some patients have difficulty swallowing. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that difficulty in swallowing, when associated with stomach cancer, increases in difficulty over time, instead of appearing to be an episodic symptom. Moderate to severe cases of stomach cancer may cause severe stomach or abdominal pain and cramps, nausea and/or vomiting. Patients with severe cases of stomach cancer may vomit blood. This fluctuation of digestive symptoms often causes the patient to lose their appetite, resulting in weight loss.
Changes in Stools
Patients with advanced cases of stomach cancer may notice a change in the consistency or color of their stools. Dark stools are a common sign of stomach cancer, typically due to the presence of blood in the intestines. Patients should monitor this symptom and notify their physicians immediately if they experience it.
Malaise
Over time, stomach cancer may cause the patient to experience malaise, a general sense of not feeling well. Stomach cancer sufferers may often feel tired, weak or fatigued. As the condition progresses, patients with stomach cancer and their physicians will notice a general decline in their health.
