Do you know abdominal pain can be one of the earliest symptoms of abdominal cancer? Here is an extensive list of symptoms that can help in identifying stomach cancer.
As we know, cancer is a disease that arises due to uncontrolled growth of certain malignant cells. Cancerous cells can be formed in any part of the body. They multiply very quickly and spread to other parts of the body. There are several vital organs located in the abdominal region like the stomach, liver, colon, pancreas, rectum, bowel, uterus and ovaries (in women). Cancerous cells can grow in any of these organs leading to stomach cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and so on. Peculiarly, males are at a higher risk of suffering from stomach cancer than females.
Symptoms
Unexplained and sudden severe weight loss is the classic symptom of all types of cancers. Formation of lumps and mass is also one of the most prominent signs of cancer. On the other hand, all disorders and symptoms related to the abdomen are experienced when a person suffers from abdominal cancer.
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea/Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Pain during urination
- Burning sensation during urination
- Blood in urine
- Dull aching pain in the back
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal swelling
- Enlargement of liver and spleen
- Intolerance of fatty/acidic foods
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Vomiting blood
- Blood in stools
- Pain in pelvic area
- Loss of libido
- Night sweats
- Itchiness on skin
- Frequent urination
- Infrequent urination
- Change in size and color of stool
- Vaginal discharge
- Abdominal discomfort
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Bloating
This is not an exhaustive list and one may even experience other symptoms. Similarly, all the above mentioned symptoms are not observed together, at the same time. They vary according to the type and stage of cancer, and are observed accordingly.
Treatment
The treatment varies according to the type of cancer, whether it is bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, or some other type. The traditional cancer treatment consists of three methods, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Surgery is effective if cancer is identified in primary stage. At this stage, the cancerous cells, i.e., tumors can be removed through surgery. Sometimes, the affected organs are removed from the body completely, if sustaining without them is possible. For e.g., ovaries or one of the kidneys can be removed if the tumors in them are uncontrollable and non-treatable.
In chemotherapy, drugs and chemical agents are used to control and treat cancer. Chemotherapy is an effective technique in treating cancer in most of the cases, but there are several side effects related to it. Hair loss, joint pain, and fatigue are the most important side effects of chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is also effective in treating abdominal cancer. The cancerous cells are exposed to constant radiation which kills them. Similar to the chemotherapy, radiation therapy is also equally effective but has several side effects.
Treating cancer in its advanced stage is difficult. As there are no known causes of abdominal cancer, there are no preventive measures for it.
Disclaimer: This article is meant only to provide information. It is not to be substituted for doctor’s advice and consultation.
