Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, can be difficult to identify. This is particularly true when it is in its early stages, during which there usually are no symptoms. In addition, most people do not pay much attention to its symptoms because they are so mild. For these reasons, it often spreads significantly before it is identified.
There are three primary symptoms of stomach cancer: indigestion, loss of appetite, and heartburn. These symptoms should not be ignored, as this condition is generally curable when caught in its early stages.
A person who experiences indigestion due to stomach cancer may feel a burning sensation in his or her upper abdomen or stomach. He or she may also experience excessive gas and belching or may become nauseated and begin vomiting. The person may also feel general abdominal pain, have a growling stomach, or develop an acidic taste in the mouth. A person experiencing indigestion every day should see a doctor in order to be tested.
A person with stomach cancer may also experience a lack of appetite, which causes him or her to have a full sensation despite eating only very little. In addition, the person may feel heartburn, which is a burning sensation that occurs deep within the chest.
Another symptom of this type of cacner is blood in the stool. Often, this is only identified after a fecal occult blood test, which is a test of the stool performed by the doctor or the lab. It may, however, be identified by the person before seeing a doctor and may present itself as a black or tarry appearance in the stool. Typically, blood in the stool is a sign that the cancer has already spread.
Symptoms of stomach cancer in its more advanced stages include unexplained weight loss, blood in the vomit, and pain after eating. A person may also bloat after eating, develop jaundice, or experience an overall feeling of fatigue or weakness.