Most of us experience abdominal pain periodically, often as a result of eating specific types of inflammatory foods when we’re struggling with digestive issues. But in some cases, abdominal pain is more noticeable, more severe, and less easy to explain.
In an age of abundant information and slight individual paranoia, it’s only natural to imagine the worst-case scenario. Could abdominal pain be a sign of cancer?
The Short Answer: It Can Be
The short answer is that yes, abdominal pain can be a sign of cancer. In fact, abdominal pain is a symptom of many different types of cancer.
For example, take peritoneal mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a variety of cancer that manifests almost exclusively in people who were exposed to a hazardous substance known as asbestos. Asbestos is full of jagged, microscopic fibers that can launch themselves into the mesothelial lining of different organs. If you swallowed any of these asbestos fibers, you would be at higher risk of developing this stomach cancer – and upon development, it would only be a matter of time before you began experiencing abdominal pain.
Many other types of stomach cancers and intestinal cancers can be associated with abdominal pain as well. However, as we’ll see, it’s much more likely that your abdominal pain has another explanation.
Other Explanations for Abdominal Pain
Stomach cancers are relatively rare, so if you’re experiencing abdominal pain, it’s much more likely that you’re dealing with one or more of the following:
- Indigestion. The most probable cause of your abdominal pain is indigestion. If you ate spicy foods or other irritating foods recently, or if you recently over-ate, that could be the root cause of your abdominal pain.
- Stress. It’s also possible to have stomach aches and abdominal pains if you’re currently under a lot of stress. You may also experience headaches and other symptoms as a result of stress.
- An ulcer. Less commonly, abdominal pain is a sign of an ulcer. Contrary to popular belief, ulcers don’t typically develop as a result of stress, but instead, they develop as a result of the stomach lining being damaged.
- Intestinal infection. Abdominal pain can also be a sign of an intestinal infection, which isn’t fun, but is treatable.
- Kidney stones or gallstones. Kidney stones and gallstones are similar in nature, though they form in and affect different parts of the body (the kidneys and gallbladder, respectively). If you have persistent, sharp abdominal pain, it could be one of these.
- Pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is excessive inflammation of the pancreas, which requires immediate medical intervention in most cases.
- Appendicitis. Similarly, appendicitis is excessive inflammation of the appendix, which requires emergency medical intervention as well.
Signs Your Abdominal Pain Is a Cause for Concern
So how can you tell if your abdominal pain is a genuine cause for concern?
- Extreme, sharp, unfamiliar pain. Most routine stomach aches are mild and capable of resolving themselves. However, if you feel an extreme, sharp, or unfamiliar pain in your abdomen, it’s a good idea to seek emergency medical attention.
- No identifiable root cause. Think about your recent habits; did you recently drink a lot of alcohol, eat an abundance of spicy food, or have a meal at a questionable restaurant? Many of these actions and habits can easily explain your abdominal pain, but if you have no explanation, it might raise additional red flags.
- Inability to manage the pain. Conventional abdominal pain is mostly manageable with antacids and other over the counter (OTC) medications. If you can’t control your abdominal pain, you should see a doctor.
- Worsening pain. You should also make an appointment if your pain seems to get worse over time. Generally, abdominal pain should get gradually better.
- Long-lasting pain. Similarly, you can expect routine abdominal pain to disappear after a day or two. If it lasts several days, you should be suspicious that something is negatively affecting your health.
- Other symptoms. Most stomach cancers are associated with a host of symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, lack of appetite, heartburn, nausea, fatigue, and stools that look bloody or black. If your abdominal pain is just one of many symptoms, you should medically investigate.
- A high risk profile. You may also be suspicious of stomach cancer if you have a family history of stomach cancer or other risk factors that make you more likely to develop cancer. Older adults, people with previous cancer diagnoses, and people who have been exposed to specific carcinogenic substances are all more likely to develop stomach cancer.
In most cases, abdominal pain doesn’t signal cancer. However, many cancers are associated with abdominal pain as a symptom. If you’re ever in doubt, check with a doctor; it’s relatively inexpensive and it could save your life.