Stomach Cancer

Can you feel a tumour in your stomach?

In the early stages of the disease, there may not be a palpable mass that can be felt. Only when the mass grows to a significant size, then it can be physically felt. You may start feeling other symptoms of discomfort such as more abdominal bloating, a sensation of fullness or indigestion after taking even small meals before you can actually feel a mass. 

Is stomach cancer curable?

Stomach cancer diagnosed in the early stages when it is confined to the stomach as well as regional lymph nodes is curable. Stomach cancer when it has spread to the distant lymph nodes or distant organs such as the lung, liver, peritoneum is no longer curable and treatment given is palliative with aims to control or shrink the tumour, but is unable to eradicate all disease. 

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have stomach cancer?

There are many factors that influence the prognosis of patients with stomach cancer, such as the location, type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's age and overall health. Stomach cancer is usually most treatable when it is found early, before the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Is stomach cancer an aggressive cancer?

Yes, stomach cancer can be aggressive, especially in its advanced stages. However, the outlook can vary depending on the stage at which it is diagnosed and other factors. 

What is the biggest symptom of stomach cancer?

There is no one biggest symptom of stomach cancer, and it can present any of the following symptoms: 

• Early satiety – sensation of increasing abdominal bloating or fullness even after a small meal 
• Loss of appetite and loss of weight 
• Anaemia, bleeding in the stools from the primary tumour 
• Persistent indigestion or reflux 
• Nausea or vomiting after a meal 

How long can stomach cancer go undetected?

Stomach cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages because it often produces no symptoms. As the cancer progresses, the symptoms that appear such as persistent indigestion or upper abdominal discomfort or bloating can be mistaken for normal gastrointestinal issues. Stomach cancer can go undetected for some time before the symptoms become concerning enough for the patient to go for diagnostic testing.