Our stomach does a lot of work for our body apart from just digesting food; hence, when it is upset, the whole body slows down. Stomach cancer is not rare but a complex health and medical hazard, just like any other cancer. It is characterized by the unusual cell growth in the stomach.
Early signs of cancer in any part of the body are not very easy to determine, but in the case of stomach or gastric cancer, they are next to impossible. It is generally a tricky diagnosis where the signs and symptoms might be very vague and can be confused with many other tummy-related issues like indigestion. However, some signs on the face can lead to the correct identification of stomach cancer.
Early warning signs of stomach cancer on face
A few early warning signs and symptoms that might just point toward stomach cancer are:
Face peeling: One might notice some skin peeling off from the face due to dryness; this can be one of the signs of a building stomach cancer. It is advisable not to ignore such peeling off and to observe it for a few days. If, after treatment for dryness, the skin still peels off, one must consult a doctor on priority.
Small skin bumps: Stomach cancer can lead to a rare skin disorder called papuloerythroderma. It causes small, raised bumps on the face skin, inflammation, swelling, and peeling on your face and other body parts. It also causes severe itching and affects the mucous, lymph nodes, and skin appendages. Other skin changes associated with stomach cancer include:
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Red, violet, or hyperpigmented nodules
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Cellulitis-like or erysipelas-like erythematous plaques
Swollen lymph nodes: Even though they might not be visible, a swollen lymph node is an impeding early sign of stomach cancer. It can also be filled with mucus, causing inflammation in different places on the face, especially the forehead.
Other symptoms of stomach cancer
Apart from the above prominent signs on the face, a few other symptoms of stomach cancer may include:
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Poor appetite
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Vomiting and nausea
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Frequent pain in the stomach
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Swelling
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Sudden drastic weight loss
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Heartburn and indigestion
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Low haemoglobin
If the cancer has spread to other body parts, it causes additional symptoms. For example, if it spreads to the lymph nodes, it can cause lumps that can be felt by touching the skin. If it spreads to the liver, it leads to jaundice—yellowing of the skin and eyes.
How does stomach cancer spread?
Stomach cancer develops gradually over the years. It begins with pre-cancerous changes in the stomach’s inner lining before developing fully. These initial changes rarely cause symptoms and can often go unidentified.
The three broad ways in which this cancer spreads in our body may include through the tissue, and then the cancer spreads from where it began by growing further into surrounding areas.
Secondly, it could also spread from where it began by getting into our lymph system. Once it gets there, it can travel through the lymph vessels to other parts of the body.
Finally, if cancer spreads through blood, it travels from where it originated to other parts of the body through our blood vessels.
Preventing Stomach Cancer
Limit Alcohol intake few ways to avoid cancer stomach may include:
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Dietary intake of vitamin C-rich vegetables and fruits.
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Limit consumption of salty and smoked foods.
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Regular exercise the best way to stay healthy
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Maintain a healthy weight
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Limit alcohol intake and avoid tobacco consumption
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Treating any digestion-related disorder in a timely manner
Signs of stomach cancer can may not be apparent initially. One must be aware of any recurrent digestive disorders and infection. Additionally, be aware of these signs that may appear on face.
