Numerous conditions can cause stomach, or abdominal, pain and weight loss. According to the MedlinePlus website, abdominal pain is pain that manifests anywhere between your chest and groin. The abdomen is often referred to as the stomach or belly. In some cases, if you have abdominal pain, you may also be experiencing weight loss. If you experience abdominal pain and rapid, unexplained weight loss, you should consult your physician for a health evaluation as soon as possible.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer causes abdominal pain and significant weight loss. According to MayoClinic.com, colon cancer -- also known as colorectal cancer -- is a cancer of the large intestine or rectum, both of which are at the lower end of your digestive system. In most cases, colon cancer begins as a small group of noncancerous cells, called polyps. Over time, polyps may become cancerous. Common signs and symptoms associated with colon cancer include persistent abdominal pain, discomfort or cramping, changes in bowel habits, diarrhea, constipation, unexplained weight loss, the sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation during defecation, weakness and fatigue. Certain risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing colon cancer. These include being advanced in age, being African-American, having a personal history of colon cancer or polyps, having a family history of colon cancer, having inflammatory bowel conditions and a diet lacking in fiber.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel condition that causes stomach pain and weight loss. Crohn's disease is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of your digestive organs, or gastrointestinal tract. Although Crohn's disease can affect any aspect of your digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, it usually targets the ileum -- the lower part of the small intestine. The inflammation caused by Crohn's disease often extends deep into the lining of the involved tissue or organ. Common signs and symptoms associated with Crohn's disease include abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, arthritis, skin problems, fever and anemia, or a lack of red blood cells. Crohn's disease is equally common in men and women, and the condition may run in some families, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that may cause abdominal pain and weight loss. According to the Merck Manuals website, ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease in which your large intestine becomes inflamed and develops ulcers, or erosions. The cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown. If you have ulcerative colitis, you have an increased risk of developing colon cancer. MayoClinic.com states that ulcerative colitis symptoms vary, based on the severity of the condition and the location of affected tissues. Possible signs and symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain and cramping, weight loss, rectal pain during bowel movements, diarrhea, fever, gastrointestinal bleeding, joint pain, nausea and vomiting. Ulcerative colitis is usually diagnosed by biopsy or colonoscopy.
