Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. 2016 Annual Tumor Report shows that gastric cancer has jumped to the second highest incidence and third highest mortality rate of malignant tumors in China. The peak incidence age of gastric cancer is 45-65 years old, but in recent years its incidence has been gradually getting younger, with patients under 30 years old being common.
Because the clinical manifestations of gastric cancer are not specific, and the clinical symptoms of gastric cancer at different ages and stages of disease are slightly different, it is easy to misdiagnose or miss the diagnosis, so that patients do not show typical symptoms until their disease has progressed to a certain stage. The first time the company was founded, the company was able to provide a complete set of services to its customers.
So, what are the symptoms of stomach cancer? It is important to understand the following possible symptoms of gastric cancer and check yourself against them in time to help detect stomach abnormalities early.
Pain in the upper abdomen
It mainly includes vague pain, distension, pressure pain or irregular indescribable upper abdominal discomfort in the upper abdomen. Because early gastric cancer is mostly unremarkable, upper abdominal discomfort may be the only symptom of note.
Acid reflux, belching
Acid reflux and belching are actually commonly referred to as “heartburn” and “belching”. The company’s main goal is to provide a comprehensive range of products and services to the public. The first thing you need to do is to get a good idea of what you are getting into.
Nausea and vomiting
When gastric cancer occurs in the pylorus, the “exit” of the stomach, a growing mass can partially or completely block the pylorus, preventing food from passing through completely and smoothly, resulting in obstruction. When it accumulates to a certain level, the stomach will reverse peristalsis, resulting in nausea and vomiting, which is mostly overnight food and gastric juice, and has a putrid odor.
Loss of appetite, lethargy and weakness
As gastric cancer progresses, the balance of the gastric environment is disrupted and less digestive juices are secreted, and patients may experience decreased appetite and abdominal distension and discomfort after eating. When the development of gastric cancer reaches a certain level and the metabolism of nutrient absorption becomes impaired, patients will gradually lose weight and lose strength. Therefore, when unexplained weight loss occurs, it is important to seek timely medical attention.
Vomiting blood or black stool
The central part of gastric cancer is often accompanied by ulcers, and the invasion of blood vessels by the cancer in the ulcerated area can cause bleeding in the digestive tract. Depending on the speed and volume of bleeding, patients may experience vomiting of blood or black stools, which can also occur early in the disease, in about 20% of patients with early gastric cancer.
Other symptoms
Patients with gastric cancer may also have atypical symptoms such as low-grade fever, peripheral nerve pain, skin disease, etc. Advanced gastric cancer may also present with an upper abdominal mass, enlarged left supraclavicular lymph nodes, and ascites.
Of course, the presence of these symptoms is not necessarily stomach cancer, but may also be certain benign diseases (e.g., gastric ulcer, polyps). The symptoms of many stomach diseases are very similar, so it is important to go to the hospital and have the relevant tests done to identify them and to avoid avoid avoiding treatment.
According to researchers in China, the 5-year postoperative survival rate for patients with progressive gastric cancer is 20% to 30%, while the survival rate for early gastric cancer can be as high as 85% to 100%. Therefore, increasing awareness of gastric cancer and related manifestations, building tumor awareness, and improving gastric cancer detection rates are of great importance for early diagnosis, early treatment, and thus reducing gastric cancer mortality.