There is some question, but no positive proof that salted, pickled or smoked foods may be promoting factors. Early symptoms of stomach cancer include a vague upper abdominal heaviness after a meal. The discomfort may be no different from vague dyspeptic symptoms that have been present on and off for years. It is their persistence and intensity that could indicate a more serious situation. Loss of appetite may be an early sign associated with a significant weight loss.
Vomiting can indicate an acute onset of symptoms and is often associated with bleeding.
The mixture of blood and vomit can look like coffee grounds. People suffering from pernicious anemia, a five year history of removal of the stomach or a history of chronic inflammatory changes in the wall of the stomach, are said to be at risk of stomach cancer. At present it is controversial as to whether these people should be regularly screened for the early appearance of stomach cancer. Confirmation of a suspected cancer of the stomach is obtained by the use of x-rays, Barium studies, examination of the stomach by mechanical means with a gastroscope, and examination of a biopsy specimen from a suspected tumour removed during this gastroscopic examination. Treatment for stomach cancer consists of surgical removal of the tumour plus partial or total removal of the stomach, chemotherapy both before and after surgery, removal of glands to which the cancer may have spread and sometimes removal of the spleen.