Toby Keith’s Death Raises Questions About Stomach Cancer Symptoms, Treatment
7 Lesser-Known Warning Signs Of Stomach Cancer You Shouldn't Ignore After 10pm
Stomach Cancer Symptoms: Here are the top 7 lesser-known signs of gastric cancer that are more prominent at night after 10pm. 7 Lesser-Known Warning Signs of Stomach Cancer You Shouldn't Ignore After 10pmSymptoms of Stomach Cancer: Gastric cancer, commonly known as stomach cancer, is a dangerous condition that often goes undetected in its early stages. While many people are aware of common symptoms like stomach pain or indigestion, there are several lesser-known signs that can indicate a more serious issue. These signs often appear or worsen later in the day, especially after 10 PM, when the body is at rest and symptoms become more noticeable. Recognizing these warning signs early can be crucial in seeking timely medical attention.
In this article, we understand the top 7 lesser-known, yet warning signs of stomach cancer that you shouldn't ignore.
7 Symptoms of Stomach Cancer You Shouldn't IgnoreAre you suffering from stomach cancer? Here are the top 10 signs of stomach cancer that shouldn't be ignored after 10pm at any cost:
Unexplained Weight LossOne of the most troubling indicators is unexplained weight loss. If you're shedding pounds without changing your diet or exercise habits, that's a significant cause for concern. This weight loss could happen because the cancer prevents your body from effectively absorbing nutrients. If this continues, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an assessment.
Persistent IndigestionIndigestion is something many people deal with, but if it becomes persistent, it could be a sign of stomach cancer. If you regularly feel bloated, suffer from heartburn, or have difficulty swallowing, it's important to take note. These symptoms might signal an underlying issue within your digestive system. If indigestion persists, especially alongside other symptoms, it would be wise to visit your doctor.
Abdominal Pain At NightDon't ignore abdominal pain. While it can stem from various issues, ongoing or worsening pain in the stomach area might indicate stomach cancer. This pain could manifest as a dull ache or sharp discomfort, often accompanied by other digestive problems. If you're dealing with lasting abdominal pain that impacts your daily routine, seek medical advice.
Sudden Loss of AppetiteChanges in your appetite can sometimes go unnoticed, but they can be quite telling in terms of stomach cancer. If you feel full after eating just a small amount or find that you suddenly lack interest in food, these changes deserve attention. Such shifts might indicate that cancer is affecting your digestive system, resulting in early satiety or loss of appetite.
Nausea and Vomiting at NightNausea and vomiting are common complaints many people face for various reasons, but if they persist, it could point to a more serious concern. In the context of stomach cancer, ongoing nausea might occur if a tumor obstructs the digestive tract. If nausea or vomiting happens frequently without a clear explanation, it's time to consult your healthcare provider.
Extreme Fatigue or TirednessFatigue is often overlooked, yet it can be a significant symptom of stomach cancer. If you're feeling unusually tired and it doesn't improve with rest, there may be an underlying issue at play. The body might use extra energy to combat the disease, resulting in feelings of extreme tiredness. If this fatigue doesn't go away, it's important to bring it up with a medical professional.
Anaemia or Red-Blood Cells DeficiencyAnaemia, which is a deficiency of red blood cells, can also serve as a warning sign for stomach cancer. Symptoms typically include fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. If you've been diagnosed with anaemia and can't pinpoint a cause, it would be wise to consider stomach cancer as a possible contributor. Regular blood tests can help monitor your levels and catch any irregularities early.
While stomach cancer may not always present clear symptoms in its early stages, recognizing these lesser-known warning signs can help individuals seek medical attention before the disease advances. Symptoms that are mentioned above are often overlooked, but they should not be ignored, particularly if they occur late at night. If you experience any of these symptoms consistently, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
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Stomach Cancer
Treatment options for stomach cancer depend on the cancer's type, stage, and location.
Surgery There are various types of surgical procedures available for treating stomach cancer, including:[15]
[16]
Chemotherapy Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, often used before or after surgery. It may also be the main treatment course if the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body, or if surgery is not an option for some reason.[17]
Many different chemotherapy drugs may be used alone or in combination with one another. The drugs used will differ depending on the stage of stomach cancer. Some of the chemotherapy drugs used for stomach cancer include:
Chemotherapy may be delivered into the vein using a needle or catheter, or into the abdominal cavity through a port. These drugs may cause a range of side effects, including nausea and vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, and fatigue.
Targeted Drug Therapy During targeted drug therapy, drugs or other substances target specific changes in cells that cause cancer. It works differently than chemotherapy and is sometimes effective when chemotherapy is not. It may also be used in conjunction with chemo.[18]
For example, the drug trastuzumab (Herceptin) targets the HER2 protein that is sometimes over-produced in people with stomach cancer. Trastuzumab blocks HER2-positive cells from sending chemical signals that tell them to grow, while also stimulating the immune system to kill cells with lots of HER2. Side effects of trastuzumab tend to be mild, and include fever, chills, nausea, and headache. Other targeted drugs may have more serious side effects.[19]
Targeted drugs used for stomach cancer include:[18]
Sometimes considered a form of targeted therapy, immunotherapy works by helping the immune system better find and destroy cancer cells. Drugs like nivolumab (Opdivo) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) target a protein called PD-1 that keeps the immune system's T-cells from attacking other cells in the body. The drugs block PD-1, allowing T-cells to attack cancer cells.
Common side effects include fatigue, itching and rash, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and joint pain, among others.[20]
Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. Like chemotherapy, radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery. Sometimes it's used along with chemotherapy.[21]
Radiation therapy is administered using a machine outside the body. Computers are used to aim the radiation directly at the cancer from multiple angles, limiting the damage to nearby tissues. You may experience some skin problems like redness and peeling, gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea, and fatigue from radiation therapy.[21]
Warning Signs Of Cancer That Can Appear In Women
The signs of cancer can differ between men and women due to differences in anatomy, hormones, and lifestyle factors. For example, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer primarily affect women due to their reproductive systems, while prostate cancer is exclusive to men. Hormonal variations can also influence symptoms like oestrogen and progesterone levels may contribute to specific cancer developments and manifestations in women. Additionally, lifestyle differences, like smoking habits or occupational exposures, can lead to varied symptoms and risks. Read on as we cover some warning signs of cancer found in women.
These cancer warning signs can be found in womenSudden and significant weight loss without any dietary or exercise changes can indicate cancers such as pancreatic, ovarian, or gastrointestinal. It occurs because cancer cells consume a large amount of energy or cause metabolic disruptions. If you experience a loss of more than 5% of your body weight over a short time, consult a doctor.
Feeling unusually tired, even after rest, may indicate cancers like leukaemia or colon cancer. Cancer-related fatigue is caused by the body's energy being diverted to fight the disease or anaemia from blood cancers. Persistent fatigue that interferes with daily activities warrants medical evaluation.
Lumps, nipple discharge (other than breast milk), changes in skin texture, or redness could be signs of breast cancer. Regular self-exams and routine mammograms help in early detection. If you notice any unusual changes, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider immediately.
Bleeding between periods, after menopause, or excessive menstrual bleeding could indicate uterine or cervical cancer. These symptoms occur due to abnormal growths or lesions in the reproductive organs. Seek medical advice for any unexpected bleeding.
Chronic pain in the pelvic region, especially when coupled with bloating or a feeling of fullness, could suggest cancers like ovarian or uterine. Such pain often results from tumours pressing against surrounding organs or tissues.
New moles, changes in existing moles, or spots that bleed and don't heal can be signs of skin cancer. Women, especially those frequently exposed to the sun or tanning beds, should regularly check their skin for unusual changes and have them examined by a dermatologist.
Persistent indigestion, heartburn, or trouble swallowing might indicate throat, oesophageal, or stomach cancers. These symptoms occur because tumours in the digestive tract interfere with normal functioning. If these issues are chronic, seek medical evaluation.
Changes in urination frequency, urgency, or blood in the urine could indicate bladder or kidney cancer. These symptoms result from tumours obstructing the urinary tract or causing irritation.
A chronic cough or hoarseness lasting more than three weeks, particularly if accompanied by blood or weight loss, could signal lung or throat cancer. Smokers and individuals exposed to environmental toxins are at higher risk.
Early detection plays a critical role in effectively managing and treating cancer. Women should pay close attention to their bodies and consult a healthcare professional for any persistent or unusual symptoms. Regular screenings and check-ups are vital to catching cancer in its early stages.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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