Stomach Pain – Cancer or Ulcer?

Summary

Abdomen pain, or simply called ‘stomach pain’ is a symptom of several conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Two such conditions are stomach cancer and stomach ulcer. These conditions present some common symptoms and share one or two common risk-factors. Which is why, it is easy to mistake one of these conditions for the other. However, a qualified GI Surgeon or doctor can tell the two apart after conducting several diagnostic tests. In this article, we will learn more.

What is Stomach Ulcer?

The digestive tract produces hydrochloric acid, and an enzyme called pepsin. Both these substances play a role in digesting the food. From the stomach, the semi-digested food is sent to the upper part of the small intestine called the duodenum. The stomach wall is lined by a mucosal-tissue that prevents the stomach-acid and pepsin from corroding or digesting the stomach tissue. Sometimes, there is an imbalance between the enzyme and acid, as a result, the mucosal-layer is not able to protect itself. As a result, sores, or ulcers start developing on the inside of the stomach-wall. What exactly causes this imbalance is not understood, but there are some risk-factors. The condition is also called peptic-ulcer if the sores are limited to the stomach, and duodenal-ulcer if they are localized to the duodenum.

Risk Factors

• Infection from a bacterium called Heliobacter pylori or H pylori
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, as well as aspirin
• Excessive and/or regular alcohol consumption
• Excessive caffeine consumption
• Heavy and regular smoking
• Radiation therapy for cancers in the GI tract
• Conditions that cause inflammation, and arthritis
• A previous episode of ulcers or intestinal bleeding

Signs and Symptoms

• A dull or burning pain
• Stomach pain that may come and go over time
• Pain that happens at night when the stomach is relatively empty
• Pain that goes away for a short time after eating, or is worse while eating
• Nausea and occasional vomiting
• Heartburn
• Poor or no appetite
• A bloated sensation after eating
• Indigestion and discomfort in the stomach

In advanced stages, the following symptoms may be seen:

• Black or tar-like stools
• A rapid pulse or heartbeat (which are generally symptoms of shock)
• Blood in the stools
• Dizziness and fainting (syncope)
• Blood in the vomit
• Sudden, sharp and shooting pain in the stomach that does not go away
• Vomit that is brown in colour and looks like coffee grounds
• Worsening of any of the above symptoms

What is Stomach Cancer?

Cancer, in any part of the body, is caused when there is mutation of DNA, leading to uncontrolled and abnormal multiplication or division of body-cells. When the same process happens in the stomach, the condition is called stomach cancer. Stomach cancer generally develops or starts from the tissues that line the inner-wall of the stomach. Most of these cancers are of the type – adenocarcinoma. What exactly causes such mutation is not understood but there are some risk-factors.

Risk Factors

• Chronic infection from the bacterium called Heliobacter pylori or H pylori. This happens when the person follows poor personal hygiene. The bacteria spread from the faeces to the hands, then to the mouth and from there to the digestive tract. Similarly, drinking water or consuming food contaminated with H pylori also increases the risk.
• Low socioeconomic status, leading to poor personal hygiene and contamination, as described above
• Male gender
• Regular and heavy smoking
• Age (people above 45 years of age are at higher risk than younger people)
• Earlier episodes of pernicious anaemia (vitamin B12 deficiency)
• A diet that is low on fresh fruits and vegetables
• A diet rich in salted or smoked meat, fish or poultry
• Consuming unhygienically preserved foods (increases the risk of H pylori infection)
• A family history of stomach cancer
• Having blood-group A
• Removal of a part of the stomach, in the past, to treat a benign (noncancerous) ulcer in the stomach or a duodenum
• Genetic Factor and Hereditary

Signs and Symptoms

• Unexplained weight loss
• Poor or no appetite
• Feeling full quickly
• Pain and discomfort around the navel
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Blood in the stools
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vomiting blood
• Anaemia leading to weakness or fatigue
• Jaundice symptoms (when cancer spreads to the liver)

Common symptoms between the two conditions

• Nausea
• Stomach pain that can be sudden and shooting at times, or dull and long-lasting
• Indigestion
• Blood in the stools
• A bloated sensation in the stomach
• Vomiting, including dark coloured vomit (looks like coffee grounds) when the condition is advanced

Common Risk Factors

• Infection from the bacterium Heliobacter pylori or H pylori. This happens when one follows poor personal hygiene or consumes unhygienically stored food, water or beverages.
• A family history of stomach ulcers. This can trigger stomach ulcers in some people, and in some of those people, it can lead to stomach cancer, especially when the ulcer is chronic.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnostic tests for stomach cancer:

• Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy
• Biomarker testing using a biopsy sample
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Barium swallow

Diagnostic tests for stomach ulcer:

• Blood tests
• Barium swallow
• Urea breath test
• Upper GI endoscopy and biopsy
• Stool tests

Treatment options for stomach ulcers

• Antibiotics for H pylori, such as metronidazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin
• Proton Pump Inhibitors and H2-receptor agnostics that reduce the quantity of stomach-acid secreted
• Antacids that reduce pain, discomfort and burning-sensation
• Lifestyle changes such as minimizing or avoiding stress, NSAIDs, smoking, spicy food and alcohol consumption
• Surgery in rare complications like bleeding, perforation and obstruction.

Treatment options for stomach cancer

• Gastric Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy

Conclusion

Given the similarity of symptoms and risk-factors, its not possible for a regular person to precisely diagnose the condition as stomach-cancer or stomach-ulcers. Only a qualified doctor can do that, and he/she will also rely on diagnostic tests to arrive at a conclusion. One should avoid self-diagnosis and self-medication, based on assumptions. Both conditions can have serious long-term complications. So, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek expert medical opinion at a leading gastric surgery hospital like Kauvery Hospital. You can visit one of their branches located in Chennai, Trichy, Hosur, Salem or Tirunelveli.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What causes stomach ulcers?

Stomach ulcers are usually caused by an infection with H. pylori or prolonged use of NSAIDs. These factors create an imbalance between stomach acid and protective mucus, leading to sores in the stomach lining. A Gastro doctor can confirm the cause with diagnostic tests.

2.What are the signs of stomach cancer?

Symptoms of stomach cancer include unexplained weight loss, pain around the navel, poor appetite, nausea, and blood in stools. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

3.How can I tell if it’s a stomach ulcer or stomach cancer?

To differentiate between a stomach ulcer and stomach cancer, a doctor may use endoscopy, biopsies, or CT scans. Only a qualified Gastro doctor can provide a reliable diagnosis.

4.What are the shared risk factors for stomach ulcers and stomach cancer?

Shared risk factors include H. pylori infection, smoking, a family history of stomach issues, and a poor diet. To understand your personal risk factors, speak with a medical professional.

5.How are stomach ulcers treated?

Stomach ulcer treatment typically involves antibiotics for H. pylori, acid-reducing medications, and lifestyle changes. In rare cases, Gastrointestinal surgery may be needed.

6.How is stomach cancer treated?

Stomach cancer treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the stage and type of cancer. A Gastro surgeon can determine the best treatment plan for your condition.

 

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 •  Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801