Is Your Stomach Pain a Sign of Cancer? Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Stomach pain: Cancer?

Hello doctor, I suddenly woke up with severe stomach pain at 3 AM on January 28th.
The pain was located in the upper abdomen, between the ribs below the sternum.
It was so intense that I couldn't stand up straight and felt nauseous.
I went to the emergency room in Lukang, where I received two doses of pain relief medication, which helped alleviate the pain.
An X-ray and blood tests did not reveal any issues, although I was told my white blood cell count was slightly elevated.
When I returned home that day, the pain returned as the medication wore off, but it was still bearable.
In the afternoon, I visited a gastroenterology clinic for an ultrasound, which also showed no significant problems.
The doctor prescribed a three-day course of medication and mentioned that if the stomach pain persisted, I would need to undergo an endoscopy.
The next day, I felt much better, but I still experienced mild discomfort and a lack of appetite, along with some nausea.
My food intake has decreased, and I believe I have lost some weight.
On January 27th, around 7 or 8 PM, I visited a dermatologist and took a medication, and 30 minutes later, I took medication from an obstetrics and gynecology appointment related to a vaginal infection, along with a stomach medication.
I'm not sure if this is related.
For the past few days, I've felt discomfort in my stomach, feeling empty, and at night, I need to press something against my stomach to sleep better.
My bowel movements have been soft for the past week, with a reddish-brown color, and it appears yellowish-brown when wiped.
Could this be stomach cancer? I read online that symptoms indicate it may already be in the advanced stages, and I'm very worried...
I had no prior symptoms of stomach discomfort before January 28th.
Thank you for your response, doctor!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/01/31

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

It is likely acute gastritis, possibly related to the use of anti-inflammatory medication.
It is advisable to discontinue the medication and carefully monitor for any changes.

Reply Date: 2021/01/31

More Info

Stomach pain can be a concerning symptom, and it's understandable to worry about serious conditions like cancer. However, it's important to recognize that stomach pain is not a definitive sign of cancer. Many factors can contribute to abdominal discomfort, and the majority of cases are related to non-cancerous conditions.

From your description, it seems you experienced a sudden onset of severe upper abdominal pain, which was significant enough to wake you from sleep. This type of pain can be associated with various gastrointestinal issues, including gastritis, peptic ulcers, gallbladder disease, or even pancreatitis. The fact that your pain improved with pain medication and that imaging studies (like X-rays and ultrasounds) did not reveal any abnormalities is a positive sign. Elevated white blood cell counts can indicate inflammation or infection, but they are not specific to cancer.

You mentioned that you have been experiencing a feeling of fullness, nausea, and a decrease in appetite, along with changes in your bowel movements. These symptoms can be indicative of several gastrointestinal conditions, including functional dyspepsia, gastritis, or even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It's also worth noting that stress and anxiety can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, leading to a cycle of discomfort.

Regarding your concerns about cancer, it's essential to understand that early-stage gastric cancer often does not present with specific symptoms. Many patients with early gastric cancer may not experience any symptoms at all, or they may have vague symptoms that can easily be attributed to other, more common gastrointestinal issues. Symptoms such as significant weight loss, persistent vomiting, or blood in the stool are more concerning and warrant further investigation.

In your case, the presence of soft stools that are reddish-brown in color could be due to dietary factors, medications, or even minor gastrointestinal bleeding, but it does not necessarily indicate cancer. If you notice blood in your stool or if your symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. A gastroenterologist can perform further evaluations, including an endoscopy, to assess the lining of your stomach and rule out any serious conditions.

It's also important to consider the medications you have taken recently. Certain medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and changes in bowel habits. If you suspect that your symptoms may be related to medication, discussing this with your healthcare provider is advisable.

In summary, while stomach pain can be alarming, it is not automatically a sign of cancer. Many benign conditions can cause similar symptoms. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider, follow up on any recommended tests, and report any new or worsening symptoms. If you are feeling anxious about your health, consider discussing your concerns with a mental health professional, as managing anxiety can also help alleviate some of your physical symptoms. Remember, early detection and intervention are key in managing any health condition, so staying proactive about your health is essential.

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