Stomach Cancer Concerns

I am a 34 old male.  A month ago I had several unexplained spasms below my sternum and extreme hurt burn/gnawing pain in my upper abdomen which seemed to get better by taking TUMS.  Occasionally, I would also feel a full feeling below my rib cage like I really needed to belch.  I went to my doctor and was put on Prevacid and the spasms subsided 3 days later.  I have also had a gall bladder ultrasound that came back negative as well as blood work that was normal other than a slight elevated ALT and negative for H Pylori.  I have had no blood in my stools that I can see or vomiting.  I also occasionally get bouts of belching and hiccups.  I am currently scheduled to see a GI doctor within the next 2-3 weeks but am having much anxiety over having possible stomach cancer.  Due to this concern I am also not eating very many meals.  Is there really a major need for me to worry about having this cancer at this time?  Thank you for your time.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Stomach cancer is not common at your age.  

However, with the symptoms, it is wise to investigate further - including an upper GI series and/or an upper endoscopy to rule out this possibility.  

The negative ultrasound would make gallbladder or liver disease less likely.  

The upper GI imaging studies are the most reasonable next step.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[Thuney]

Acid reflux--which is pretty common-- can cause these symptoms as well--so can a hiatal hernia, which is also very common.  So try to stay calm until you see the doctor.

I  know it is hard, but try not to increase your anxiety as it will only worsen the condition, including the two I mentioned above.

[nucat78]

I had the same symptoms in my mid-30s and the same tests.  It was a duodenal ulcer and some mild antral gastritis.  I was worried it was stomach cancer also as my neighbor (age 54 at the time) had recently died of the disease.  

Take a look at the National Cancer Institute's Web page for statistics on cancer incidence at different ages.  It might be somewhat reassuring, but do follow up with your MD.

[posepetal47]

hi,i had act scan doneabout 3 weeks ago, it came back abnormal, they found 4 enlarged lymph nodes 2 in the stomach area, and the other 2 in the gastrohepatic area.i have lots of swelling in my legs and feet.wednesday they are doing a EGD, the scope down to the stomach.looking for cancer in the stomach.they did blood work today to check white blood cell count and red blood cell count.hoply wednesday test will confirm what the dr wants to know.i now have acid reflex, she put me on meds for that today.so what happens if this is cancer, where do we go from here?if anybody has any input, please write. thank you

[mila23]

i had the same exact symptoms.and i was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia!!! i was terrified freaking out thinking i had stomach cancer and i was 21 at the time loll..i doubt u have stomach cancer.but i definetely know how you feel.i developed very serious panic attacks from not knowing what it was.get an endoscopy.you will feel alot better when theres nothing seriously wrong! my dr told me that usually when a person gets alot of pain in the stomach its not too serious.stomach cancer doesnt cause harldy anypain! well thats what he said lol..anyway good luck!!!