Symptoms of gastric cancer often do not appear until the disease has advanced. Common symptoms may include:
- Persistent Indigestion or Heartburn: Ongoing discomfort or burning sensations that do not improve with treatment.
- Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: Pain, pressure, or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
- Feeling Full Quickly: Becoming full after eating small amounts of food.
- Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to eat or unexplained changes in eating habits.
- Unintended Weight Loss: Losing weight without changes in diet or physical activity.
- Nausea or Vomiting: Persistent nausea or vomiting, sometimes with blood.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Particularly when tumors develop near the upper portion of the stomach.
- Bloating After Meals: A sensation of fullness or swelling after eating.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Often caused by anemia or nutritional deficiencies.
- Blood in the Stool: Dark or black stools may indicate bleeding within the digestive tract.
Many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than stomach cancer. However, symptoms that persist or worsen should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. At the GW Cancer Center, patients have access to specialists experienced in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal cancers, including gastric cancer.
