Stomach cancer history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Stomach cancer Microchapters
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Symptoms

Endoscopic image of linitis plastica, a type of stomach cancer where the entire stomach is invaded, leading to a leather bottle-like appearance.

Stomach cancer is often asymptomatic or causes only nonspecific symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms occur, the cancer has generally metastasized to other parts of the body, one of the main reasons for its poor prognosis. Stomach cancer can cause the following signs and symptoms:

Early

• Indigestion or a burning sensation (heartburn)
• Loss of appetite, especially for meat

Late

• Abdominal pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloating of the stomach after meals
• Weight loss
• Weakness and fatigue
• Bleeding (vomiting blood or having blood in the stool), which can lead to anemia

These can be symptoms such as a stomach virus or gastric ulcer, and diagnosis should be done by a gastroenterologist or an oncologist.