What are the early symptoms of stomach cancer?
Disease description:
Recently, my friend was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and I'm very worried that I might have the same condition. Could you please tell me what are the early symptoms of stomach cancer?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Below are some common early symptoms of stomach cancer:
1. Indigestion: Persistent discomfort in the stomach, bloating, or indigestion may be early signs of stomach cancer. This discomfort may worsen after eating.
2. Loss of appetite and weight loss: Unexplained loss of appetite, even toward foods usually enjoyed, along with unintentional weight loss, are also common symptoms.
3. Upper abdominal pain: Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, below the breastbone, especially noticeable after meals, may be one of the early manifestations of stomach cancer.
4. Nausea and vomiting: Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting in the early stages, particularly when the tumor causes obstruction, in which case vomiting may become more pronounced.
5. Anemia: Long-term gastrointestinal bleeding may lead to symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
However, other stomach diseases may also present with similar symptoms. Therefore, if symptoms persist or gradually worsen, prompt medical attention is advised.
