Abdominal pain can be a very dangerous signal. Sometimes it’s a symptom of cancer

We usually don’t associate abdominal pain with a serious condition. We often blame it on stress or simply stomach problems. While in most cases this symptom should not worry us at all, because it is the body’s reaction to, for example, food poisoning, in some situations this ailment may indicate a very serious disease.

Abdominal pain may be a symptom of stomach cancer

The incidence of stomach cancer has been decreasing for years, but it is still the fifth most common cancer in the world. One of the symptoms of this disease is abdominal pain – it is felt in the upper part of the abdomen (epigastrium). It may occur constantly, but usually appears after eating a meal. In addition to abdominal pain, symptoms of stomach cancer include:

• weight loss,

• vomiting,

• anorexia,

• weakness,

• indigestion,

• early feeling of satiety,

• lack of appetite,

• swallowing problems.

Sometimes, during the examination, the doctor may also feel a lump in the upper part of the abdomen. Some patients may also experience bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. However, early stomach cancer is often asymptomatic.

What are other causes of abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain may also be caused by, among others:

• Ectopic pregnancy,

• peritonitis,

• intestinal obstruction,

• bladder inflammation,

• appendicitis,

• food poisoning,

• acute pancreatitis,

• cholecystitis,

• rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (in extreme cases).

What are the harmless causes of abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain does not necessarily mean that we are sick or that something bad is happening in our body. The pain does not hinder normal functioning and disappears quite quickly. It may be caused by other reasons that should not cause us to worry. This includes:

• period,

• severe stress,

• flatulence,

• intestinal colic,

• constipation,

• cramps associated with ovulation.

When to see a doctor with abdominal pain?

If abdominal pain occurs only occasionally, it is worth taking a closer look at your eating habits, because it may be the result of a poor diet and unhealthy habits. However, if the pain is chronic and occurs very often, you should see a doctor. Thanks to this, it will be possible for the specialist to order appropriate tests and perform quick diagnostics.

It is also important that the doctor carefully collects an interview regarding the occurrence of pain, its nature and concomitant diseases. A physical examination is also important as part of the diagnosis. Often, based on this, it is possible to determine the initial cause of abdominal pain and begin treatment. However, it sometimes happens that other tests are also needed, for example abdominal ultrasound (it allows us to determine whether any inflammatory processes are taking place in the abdomen).