Early Stomach Cancer Recurrence Symptoms After One Year Post-Surgery

The symptoms of early stomach cancer recurrence one year after surgery are often similar to those experienced before the operation. These may include indigestion, nausea, vomiting, black stools, and abdominal pain. In some cases, patients with fluid accumulation in the abdomen may experience bloating. However, the recurrence rate within one year after early gastric cancer surgery is relatively low, with a five-year survival rate exceeding 95%.

The likelihood of recurrence or metastasis primarily depends on the biological behavior and malignancy of the original tumor. Some aggressive tumors may recur or spread even shortly after surgery. There have been cases where liver or ovarian metastases were detected as early as one month post-surgery, although such occurrences are rare. This highlights the importance of regular follow-up exams for all gastric cancer patients, regardless of whether they were diagnosed at an early or advanced stage.

For patients who have undergone surgery for early or mid-stage gastric cancer, it is generally recommended to have follow-up evaluations every three months during the first three years after surgery. If no signs of recurrence are found during this period, checkups can be spaced to every six months. After five years, annual checkups are typically sufficient. Gastroscopy remains the gold standard for gastric cancer diagnosis and should be performed annually to monitor for possible recurrence. Early detection through regular screening allows for timely intervention and better treatment outcomes.