80 percent of patients with stomach cancer report ‘epigastric pain’

Stomach cancer is the medical term describing the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the lining of the stomach. If their growth isn’t quelled in the initial stages, the cells will likely grow into tumours which turbocharge the spread of the disease, researchers believe.The initial symptoms of stomach cancer are likely to be vague, as the tumour is still localised and hasn’t affected distant lymph nodes yet.As the tumour grows, however, signs may still be brushed off as other common gastrointestinal issues.The warning signs can equally become increasingly misleading as the disease spreads to other parts of the body, where a tumour may trigger a new set of symptoms.Doctor Sanjay Mehta, GP at The London General Practice said: “Stomach cancer in its early stages can lead to symptoms of indigestion and upper abdominal pain (epigastric pain), with the latter being reported to be present in up to 80 percent of cases.READ MORE: Dyschezia could signal spreading tumour of bowel cancer on the loo Epigastric pain could be a sign of stomach cancer (Image: Getty )”However, stomach cancer does not always present with symptoms in its early stages.”Epigastric pain tends to be concentrated in the upper abdomen, under the breast bone and is often likened to the pain caused by a gastric ulcer.When abdominal pain or back pain becomes chronic, this implies a local invasion of the stomach by a tumour.The slow development of stomach cancer, however, means the disease can go undetected for years before symptoms cause enough concern to warrant a test.DON’T MISS: Blood clots warning: Four types of drinks to avoid [INFORMER]  Stomach cancer can be treated if detected early (Image: Getty) Epigastric pain is usually felt below the rib (Image: Getty)Having inflammation in the gut, polyps in the stomach or long-lasting anaemia can all be precursors for the disease.Approximately 6700 people in the UK are diagnosed with stomach cancer each year, which means the condition is medically rare.The only way the condition can be ruled out is by undergoing a series of tests.A doctor will most likely refer anyone with stomach cancer symptoms for an endoscopy, which involves the insertion of a thin tube down the throat.