What are the symptoms of early-stage gastric cancer?
Early gastric cancer refers to a malignant tumor in the stomach in which cancer cells are confined to the mucosal or submucosal layer. Some patients with early gastric cancer may experience symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and bloody stools. If these symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Nausea
Nausea is a common symptom in patients with early gastric cancer. It is primarily caused by gastrointestinal dysfunction and enhanced neural reflexes due to tumor stimulation. The sensation of nausea usually occurs in the upper abdomen and may be accompanied by bloating or discomfort.
2. Stomach Pain
Patients with early gastric cancer may experience stomach pain. This pain is often irregular and may manifest as persistent dull ache, differing from the pain patterns seen in gastric or duodenal ulcers.
3. Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite is one of the more common symptoms in early gastric cancer. It may result from tumor-induced impairment of gastric functions, including food storage and digestion, leading to early satiety or inability to consume normal meal portions.
4. Weight Loss
Weight loss is another important sign in patients with early gastric cancer. It mainly results from the tumor consuming the body's energy reserves, coupled with reduced food intake due to decreased appetite.
5. Bloody Stools
Patients with early gastric cancer may present with bloody stools, typically appearing as occult blood in stool or melena (black, tarry stools). When the tumor damages small blood vessels, occult blood may appear—meaning the stool looks normal but laboratory tests reveal the presence of red blood cells.
If any of the above symptoms occur, especially if they persist or progressively worsen, prompt medical attention is advised for comprehensive evaluation, enabling early exclusion or diagnosis of gastric cancer. If diagnosed, treatment under medical supervision may include medications such as fluorouracil injection, gemcitabine hydrochloride for injection, and oxaliplatin for injection.