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People with stomach cancer may experience the following symptoms: Symptoms are changes you feel in your body. Symptoms are changes that can be measured, such as blood pressure readings or laboratory tests. Together, signs and symptoms can help identify health problems. Sometimes people with stomach cancer have none of the symptoms listed below. Or the cause may be a medical condition other than cancer.
Stomach cancer usually does not have specific symptoms, so it is not detected in the early stages. Currently, it is not recommended that people be diagnosed with stomach cancer before signs or symptoms appear. In general, it is common for people to be diagnosed with stomach cancer after symptoms appear.
When symptoms do occur, they can be vague and include the symptoms listed below. It should be remembered that these symptoms can be caused by many other diseases, such as stomach viruses and ulcers.
Stomach upset or heartburn
Abdominal pain and discomfort
Nausea and vomiting, especially soon after eating solid food
Diarrhea or constipation
Bloating after eating
Loss of appetite
Feeling of food stuck in throat when eating
Advanced symptoms of stomach cancer include:
Weakness and fatigue
Vomiting of blood, blood in the stool
Unexplained weight loss
If you’re concerned about any changes you’re experiencing, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will ask, among other questions, how long and how often you have been experiencing symptoms. This is called a diagnosis to help find the cause of the problem.
If cancer is diagnosed, symptom relief remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. It usually begins soon after diagnosis and continues throughout treatment. Symptom management may be called “palliative care” or “supportive care.” Be sure to talk to your health care team about any symptoms you’re experiencing, including new symptoms or changes in symptoms.