Is Stomach Cancer Always Painful?

Stomach cancer is not always associated with pain, and the presence of discomfort or pain typically depends on the stage and progression of the disease. Below are the common scenarios in which pain may occur:

Early-stage stomach cancer may not cause any pain
In the early phases, stomach cancer can be completely asymptomatic. Many individuals do not experience pain, discomfort, or any noticeable symptoms. This is why some patients are diagnosed incidentally during routine medical checkups, such as a gastroscopy, especially those with a family history or other risk factors.

Pain may develop as the cancer progresses
As the disease advances, patients may begin to experience symptoms related to indigestion or poor digestion. If left untreated, this can progress to localized stomach pain or even generalized abdominal discomfort. The initial pain is often due to damage caused by the tumor, such as mucosal necrosis, inflammation, or reduced digestive function.

Advanced stomach cancer can lead to persistent pain
In later stages, the tumor may spread to or press on nerves, leading to chronic and severe pain. This type of pain tends to be constant and is unlikely to improve without medical intervention. Patients may require painkillers, narcotics, or nerve block treatments to manage the discomfort effectively.