What are the early symptoms of gastric cancer

The early symptoms of gastric cancer are often atypical, but include upper abdominal discomfort or dull pain, loss of appetite and weight loss, persistent indigestion symptoms, vomiting blood or black stools, and non-specific digestive tract symptoms such as acid reflux and belching. Although these symptoms are not specific to gastric cancer, their appearance may indicate health problems with the stomach.

1. Upper abdominal discomfort or dull pain: This may be caused by gastric cancer cells invading the stomach wall or causing inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which manifests as mild to moderate pain or discomfort.

2. Loss of appetite and weight loss: Since the proliferation of gastric cancer cells consumes a lot of energy and affects the digestive function of the stomach, the patient's appetite decreases significantly and his weight gradually decreases.

3. Persistent indigestion symptoms: including fullness after meals, early satiety, nausea, etc., may be the result of gastric cancer causing slower gastric motility and abnormal gastric acid secretion.

4. Vomiting blood or black stools: When the tumor invades the blood vessels of the stomach wall, it can cause bleeding, which manifests as vomiting blood or excreting tarry black stools. This is a more serious warning sign.

5. Non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms: such as acid reflux, belching, heartburn, etc., may be related to abnormal gastric acid secretion or gastric emptying disorder caused by gastric cancer and need to be taken seriously.

If the symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time and confirm the diagnosis through gastroscopy and other means. After a clear diagnosis, comprehensive treatment measures such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can be selected according to the condition. During the treatment process, patients must follow the doctor's instructions to use drugs, such as antacid calcium carbonate chewable tablets and acid-suppressing omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, to relieve related symptoms and promote recovery. At the same time, maintaining a good living habit and mentality is equally important for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer.