Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, involves the uncontrolled growth of cells in the stomach lining. Constipation is not a direct symptom of stomach cancer. Instead, it often arises indirectly from the cancer’s progression, its treatment, or associated conditions.
Common Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer often presents with subtle symptoms in its early stages, making early detection difficult. These signs are frequently mistaken for common gastrointestinal issues like indigestion or acid reflux. Many people do not experience noticeable symptoms until the cancer has advanced.
Common symptoms primarily involve digestive discomfort and changes in overall health. These include persistent indigestion or heartburn that does not respond to remedies, feeling full after small amounts of food, reduced appetite, or unexplained weight loss. Nausea and vomiting, sometimes with blood, are also reported. Abdominal pain or discomfort, often above the navel, may also occur.
These symptoms occur due to the tumor’s presence and its impact on normal stomach function. A growing tumor can interfere with the stomach’s ability to process food, leading to fullness and nausea. Unexplained weight loss results from decreased food intake or the body’s increased energy demands. If the cancer causes internal bleeding, stools may appear dark or tarry, and individuals might experience fatigue due to anemia.
How Stomach Cancer Can Indirectly Lead to Constipation
Constipation can arise indirectly through several mechanisms related to stomach cancer or its management. These factors disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system, leading to infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
Medication side effects are a common cause of constipation in cancer patients. Pain relievers, especially opioid narcotics like morphine or oxycodone, slow stool movement through the intestines, making it harder and drier. Certain anti-nausea drugs and some chemotherapy agents, such as vinca alkaloids, can also affect gut motility.
Dietary changes associated with stomach cancer also play a role. Patients may experience reduced appetite or nausea, leading to decreased food intake and a diet low in fiber. Vomiting or reduced fluid intake due to poor appetite can lead to dehydration, making stools harder to pass.
Cancer treatments themselves can impact bowel function. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage cells lining the gastrointestinal tract, affecting its rhythm. Some chemotherapy drugs directly affect nerve signals to the gut, contributing to slowed digestion. Reduced physical activity due to fatigue or weakness also contributes to constipation.
In advanced stages, a stomach tumor might physically obstruct the digestive tract, though this is less common than with colon cancers. If the tumor spreads within the abdominal cavity, it can press on parts of the bowel, impeding stool passage. This physical blockage can cause severe constipation and may require medical intervention.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Seek medical advice for persistent changes in bowel habits, especially with other concerning symptoms. While constipation is common and often benign, its presence alongside other signs warrants further investigation.
Consult a healthcare professional if constipation is new, severe, or lasts more than a few weeks. This is particularly important if it occurs with symptoms associated with stomach cancer, including unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, chronic indigestion, difficulty swallowing, or feeling full after small meals. Blood in your stool or vomit, or black, tarry stools, requires immediate medical attention.
Early diagnosis of stomach cancer can lead to more effective treatment. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine if further tests are needed. Even if symptoms are not due to cancer, a medical evaluation can help identify and manage other underlying conditions.