How do I know if I have stomach cancer

If you suspect you have gastric cancer, you can make a diagnosis through clinical symptoms, signs, and auxiliary examinations. However, a definitive diagnosis of gastric cancer requires pathological diagnosis.

1. Clinical symptoms: Patients with early gastric cancer usually have no obvious discomfort or only mild abdominal pain and other non-specific symptoms, which are irregular and often worsen after eating;

2. Physical signs: Advanced gastric cancer may present with symptoms such as weight loss and anemia, and a mass may be felt in the abdomen; while mid- to late-stage gastric cancer may present with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, such as vomiting blood and black stools. Some patients may also have symptoms of pyloric obstruction, such as vomiting leftover food or having a noticeable feeling of fullness.

3. Auxiliary examination: For people suspected of gastric cancer, endoscopic examination can be performed, including ordinary electronic gastroscopy and magnifying endoscopy. Biopsies are taken from suspicious areas and sent to the pathology department for testing to determine whether they are malignant tumor cells. In addition, imaging examinations can also be used to help determine the scope of the lesion. Commonly used methods include X-ray barium meal angiography, CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound endoscopy. In addition, blood tests can also be performed to check CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen). If the value is elevated, it indicates that cancer may have occurred.

Once the above situation is found, it is recommended to go to the hospital in time for further examination to clarify the cause. In daily life, you should pay attention to eating light and easy to digest food, and avoid eating spicy and irritating foods to avoid burdening the gastrointestinal tract.