Gastric Cancer In Advanced Stages: What Symptoms Can Occur

In the most severe stages of advanced gastric cancer, patients may experience a range of critical symptoms categorized into acute emergencies and chronic progressive conditions, as detailed below:

Acute Complications: Perforation And Hemorrhage
One of the life-threatening acute conditions in advanced gastric cancer is perforation or severe bleeding from a tumor-related ulcer. When a gastric ulcer penetrates the stomach wall, it can cause a perforation, allowing stomach contents to leak into the abdominal cavity. This leads to a serious condition known as chemical peritonitis. Additionally, due to the rich blood supply in the stomach, ulcers can erode blood vessels, causing significant internal bleeding. If not treated promptly, this can rapidly lead to hypovolemic shock and potentially death.

Chronic Conditions: Cachexia And Systemic Decline
Most patients in the late stages of gastric cancer succumb to a state of progressive physical decline known as cancer cachexia. Prolonged malnutrition, hypoalbuminemia, and reduced hemoglobin levels contribute to severe anemia, massive ascites, and intense pain. These symptoms significantly impact quality of life. Palliative care often includes nutritional support such as albumin or lipid infusions, gastric decompression through nasogastric tubes, and administration of analgesics to manage pain and improve comfort.

These symptoms highlight the importance of timely intervention and comprehensive care for patients with advanced gastric cancer.