Diagnosing Stomach Cancer Signs and Symptoms in Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is an uncontrolled growth of cells in the stomach. It affects about 20,000 Americans each year, and it grows slowly compared with other cancers. It typically begins in the lining of the stomach and may not cause symptoms at first.
Learning to recognize stomach cancer symptoms is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis. Regional Cancer Care Associates is here to serve you or your loved one if you suspect that you’re experiencing the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer.
What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer has several symptoms, many of which can be caused by something other than cancer, such as a stomach virus or an ulcer. A doctor can analyze your symptoms and perform tests to provide you with the correct diagnosis. Stomach cancer symptoms include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Poor appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
- Feeling bloated after eating
- Feeling full despite minimal food intake
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swelling or fluid buildup in the abdomen
- Low red blood cell count
These symptoms don’t always point to stomach cancer, but they tend to occur with its presence.
When to See Your Physician
Stomach cancer is not common in the United States, but as a consequence physicians often don’t preventively test for the disease. So, if you experience concerning symptoms that don’t go away or get worse, seek medical advice immediately. Because many of the above symptoms can be caused by something other than cancer, a doctor will rule out other causes first. If a doctor decides you need to be tested for stomach cancer, you’ll likely receive a test called an endoscopy, which allows the doctor to see the inside of your stomach. The doctor can give you a diagnosis based on your symptoms and test results and can discuss treatment options with you.
Regional Cancer Care Associates Offers the Help You Need
If you are experiencing stomach cancer symptoms or have been diagnosed with the disease, Regional Cancer Care Associates is here to assist you on your road to recovery. With 31 locations in Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey, you can receive the highest quality of care close to home.
Regional Cancer Care Associates is a nationally recognized cancer care network with the resources not only to treat a range of cancers, but also to focus on each patient’s unique needs. In addition, we are prepared to take care of you as soon as possible, sometimes even on the same day, and we can help you explore coverage and payment options to minimize the financial impact of your treatment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
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When standard cancer treatments aren’t providing the results you want, clinical trials may offer hope. Our physicians use clinical trials to study new treatments, helping transform cancer care for the better. You can enroll in a clinical trial to try groundbreaking treatment plans at zero cost to you.
Regional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.