Persistent Nausea and Vomiting
Although occasional nausea can occur due to minor issues, chronic nausea and vomiting can point to something more serious. In stomach cancer, these symptoms result from tumors obstructing parts of the stomach or disturbing its normal function.
Key indicators include:
- Nausea that lasts weeks without an identifiable cause
- Vomiting shortly after eating
- Vomiting blood or substances that resemble coffee grounds, indicating internal bleeding
These symptoms demand immediate medical attention and diagnostic evaluation.
Early Satiety (Feeling Full Quickly)
One particularly deceptive symptom is early satiety—feeling full after eating only a few bites. This occurs when a growing tumor in the stomach reduces the available space for food or disrupts normal gastric emptying.
People experiencing early satiety may:
- Avoid meals unintentionally
- Lose interest in food they previously enjoyed
- Begin experiencing nutritional deficiencies
Neglecting this symptom may result in weight loss and serious malnourishment.
Chronic Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
Persistent stomach pain, particularly in the midsection or upper abdomen, can be a symptom of stomach cancer. This discomfort might occasionally be intense and sporadic, or it can be mild and continuous.
Often, this is mistaken for:
- Gastric ulcers
- Acid reflux
- Irritable bowel syndrome
However, if the pain is not alleviated by antacids or dietary changes and continues to worsen over time, further testing is essential.
