Research evidence suggests that cancer patients may have experienced abdominal symptoms before diagnosis. It's worth noting that cancer doesn't always cause severe pain. Many cases present only as a dull, mild discomfort, which is easily overlooked, according to the health website Healthline (USA).
Patients should seek medical attention if upper abdominal pain lasts for several weeks or more. ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTO: AI
Therefore, early identification of unusual abdominal pain patterns is crucial. Below are some types of abdominal pain that may be related to cancer.
A persistent dull ache in the upper abdominal region.
A dull ache above the navel is a type of pain that is easily mistaken for common digestive problems such as bloating, indigestion, or gastritis. However, if the pain lasts for weeks or recurs frequently, it should not be taken lightly.
Stomach cancer can cause upper abdominal pain accompanied by indigestion and bloating. This type of pain is characterized by being vague, not intense, but persistent, often leading patients to underestimate the problem or self-treat with common stomach medications.
The pain is caused by the tumor developing in the stomach, which in turn inflames the mucous membrane and disrupts its contractile function. This irritates the visceral nerves, creating a dull, aching pain that is difficult to pinpoint.
Experts recommend that people with this condition seek medical attention if the pain lasts for more than 2-3 weeks, does not improve with medication, or is accompanied by symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, or feeling full quickly after eating.
Abdominal pain accompanied by bowel abnormalities
This type of pain requires special attention because it could be related to colorectal cancer. Many people tend to ignore it, thinking it's just a temporary digestive disorder.
If abdominal pain is accompanied by persistent constipation or diarrhea, changes in stool shape, or a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying, it could be a sign of an abnormality. This is because tumors in the colon can narrow the inside of the intestine, making it difficult for stool to move and causing constipation. Conversely, tumors can also irritate the intestinal lining, leading to diarrhea. In some cases, stools may become small, flattened, or contain blood.
Persistent lower abdominal and pelvic pain
Lower abdominal pain, especially in women, is often mistaken for menstrual pain or digestive disorders. However, if the pain occurs frequently and is not related to menstruation, other medical conditions should be considered, including ovarian cancer.
As ovarian tumors grow, they can compress surrounding organs such as the bladder or intestines. Additionally, the tumors can cause fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity, increasing pressure and causing pain radiating to the back or hips.
People should pay attention if the pain occurs frequently, accompanied by symptoms such as bloating, feeling full quickly, frequent urination, or persistent discomfort, according to Healthline.