Are there conditions or diagnoses that can be confused with stomach cancer because of similar symptoms?

Doctor's Answers 1

Photo of Dr Yuk Man Kan
Dr Yuk Man Kan

General Surgeon

Yes. As I mentioned, some of the symptoms can be very subtle. You may not be having symptoms. Some people have ulcers, some have gallstones, and they experience bloating. Occasionally people have food poisoning. It’s really figuring out what is what. Unfortunately, at times like this, it’s very difficult to decide.

We, as a professional, would say “okay, what are the chances of this being a stomach cancer, what’s the chance of it being something completely different?” So it’s really taking the context into consideration.

So if you’re young, and you’re having a bout of acid and we give you treatment -- it’s probably a bit of gastritis, a bit of ulcer, or it could be when you’re eating and you overeat. Or it could be a bile infection.

Compared to all the signs that I mentioned before -- persistent bloating, persistent acid reflux even after you’re given acid tablets. Then those are warning signs, and those are things that -- it’s really trying to get that mishmash of symptoms together and trying to peel that away for what it is.

It’s not quite like colon cancer where your biles change and you’re constantly constipated and think that’s strange. That’s where the problem lies.

Similar Questions

In what cases is surgery recommended for stomach cancer patients?

As per all cancers, the earlier the stage of the cancer, the higher the chance of cure. In stomach cancer, it is no different. If stomach cancer is in the early stages where there is no spread of cancer to the surrounding tissues or to distant sites, surgery offers the best chance of cure. An exception is when the cancer is detected in the very early stages where the cancer involvement is very shallow. In such very early stages, a curative option will include an endoscopic resection of the cancer.

Photo of Dr Stephen Chang

Answered By

Dr Stephen Chang

General Surgeon

Can stomach cancer only be detected through screening?

In a sense, yes. It’s really trying to say “this is persisting”. You go and see a GP and are given the normal remedies. If all the bloating hasn’t resolved after a week or two and the acid reflux is still there even after taking the acid medication, those are the warning signs. Subsequently, the GP needs to send you for screening regardless of age or family history. If it’s persistent, you should just go and have it seen to.

Photo of Dr Yuk Man Kan

Answered By

Dr Yuk Man Kan

General Surgeon

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox