Stomach Cancer Symptoms

Formation of a lump or ulcer in the inner lining of the stomach results in stomach cancer. These lumps are generally tumors. In some cases, the cancerous cells enter the walls of the stomach without even giving any sign of a tumor.

When the cancer begins to take its hold, it generally stays only in the stomach area. But, after sometime, there are chances that it will reach the other organs that are close to the stomach.

The following types of cancers have been identified:

* Carcinomas - The stomach lining contains a cell known as squamous. If the cancer starts here, then it is known as carcinomas.
* Lymphomas - If the lymphatic system is the first target of the cancer, then it is known as lymphomas.
* Sarcomas - If the muscle layer of the stomach wall gets affected by cancer, it is known as Sarcomas.
* Carcinoid tumor - The neuroendocrine system is the beginning of this variety of stomach cancer.

As with some other types of cancers, the exact reasons behind stomach cancer are yet to be identified. However, there are some prime suspects which may be somewhat responsible for stomach cancer:

* People having blood group A.
* Alcoholics.
* Chain smokers.
* Family history of stomach cancer.
* Having excessive weight.
* People having consistent acid reflux.
* Senior citizens aged 60 and above.
* Excessive salt and red meat.
* Gender of the patient - Women are less susceptible to the risks of stomach cancer.

During the initial stages of stomach cancer, these following symptoms have been observed consistently:

* The patients feel a lot of difficulty in swallowing their food.
* There is general appetite loss.
* The person feels sick and weak.
* There is consistent stomach pain.
* Burping and heartburn.
* Even small meal feel heavy and make the patient uncomfortable.
Symptoms consistent with patients in the advanced stages of the disease:
* There is occurrence of blood when a person coughs.
* The person loses weight rapidly.
* Feces are dark-colored.
* There is the presence of a lump or tumor in the person's stomach.

What people must know is that these symptoms don't account for stomach cancer alone. It might be that the person may be suffering from something and self-diagnosis may lead to problems. It is always advisable that a person visits the doctor immediately so that there are no complications or regrettable delays.

Treating stomach cancer generally involves chemotherapy, surgery (if the cancer is in the initial stages), radiotherapy and even biological therapy.

Douglas Ketner administers TheSymptomsOfCancer.com. For more information on stomach cancer symptoms, visit http://www.thesymptomsofcancer.com/stomach-cancer-symptoms.html