Back pain can be the first symptom of stomach cancer
Stomach Cancer and Back Pain: Subtle Warning Not to Be Ignored
Stomach cancer is among the most serious diseases of the digestive tract and often progresses almost without symptoms in its early stages. However, once the first warning signs appear, they can easily be mistaken for common digestive issues. One of the less known but increasingly common symptoms is back pain. Although back pain is commonly associated with the musculoskeletal system, in some cases, it may indicate a more serious health problem.
How Can Stomach Cancer Cause Back Pain?
Back pain is usually associated with muscle tension, poor posture, or spine problems. In the case of stomach cancer, its origin is different. In the more advanced stages of the disease, a tumor may start to invade surrounding tissues and affect multiple nerve endings. This leads to pain that may not manifest directly in the stomach area but can radiate to other parts of the body, including the back.
Another factor that can cause back pain is tumor metastasis. If stomach cancer spreads to the liver, pancreas, or peritoneum, it can exert pressure on surrounding organs and nerves. This pressure subsequently manifests as pain that often spreads to the lumbar or intercostal areas. The pain can be dull and persistent, but in some cases, it can worsen after eating or during physical activity.
Invisible Danger
Many people attribute back pain to common overexertion or poor sleeping posture, thus not associating it with potential stomach problems. However, there are certain signals that may indicate it is not ordinary muscle tension. If back pain is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, constant bloating, or nausea, consulting a doctor is advisable.
Stomach cancer often manifests with long-term digestive problems. Individuals may experience a constant feeling of fullness even after eating a small amount of food. Gradually, difficulties with swallowing or changes in stool, such as dark coloring due to the presence of blood, may emerge.
In some cases, less specific symptoms may appear, such as persistent fatigue or unpleasant pressure in the upper abdomen, which can radiate to the back. If these issues persist for several weeks, it is crucial to undergo medical examination.
How to Detect the Problem Early with Diagnostics?
Since stomach cancer manifests very subtly in the early stages, it is often diagnosed in a more advanced stage. The first step when suspecting this disease is a consultation with a doctor, who will recommend further examinations based on the symptoms.
One of the most accurate methods is gastroscopy, which allows doctors to examine the stomach lining in detail and, if necessary, take a tissue sample for histological examination. Other diagnostic tools may include abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or blood tests that can detect the presence of tumor markers.
Prevention and Healthy Lifestyle
Although it is not entirely possible to prevent stomach cancer, there are factors that can reduce the risk of its development. A key role is played by a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. The consumption of processed meats, red meat, and foods with high amounts of preservatives should be limited. Conversely, the diet should include foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as fresh vegetables and fruits.
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It is also important to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as both of these factors can contribute to the development of malignant diseases of the digestive tract. In addition, people should be cautious about the long-term use of certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can damage the stomach lining and increase the risk of cancer development.
Regular medical check-ups are essential, especially if there have been cases of digestive tract cancer in the family. The sooner the disease is detected, the greater the chances of successful treatment.
Back pain is a common problem that many people attribute to poor posture or physical overexertion. However, in some cases, it can signal more serious health issues, including stomach cancer. If accompanied by other unexplained difficulties, such as loss of appetite, weight loss, or long-term digestive problems, it should not be underestimated.
Early diagnosis and a healthy lifestyle can play a crucial role in the prevention and successful treatment of this disease. Listening to the signals our body gives us can be the first step to early problem detection and increasing the chance of complete recovery.
