Is a Gurgling Stomach a Sign of Colon Cancer?

There are many reasons for the gurgling sound in the stomach, and they are not necessarily closely related to colorectal cancer lesions. Therefore, it is important not to make blind judgments. The gurgling sound in the stomach may simply be due to catching a cold or other reasons such as indigestion, and it cannot be used as a basis for diagnosing colorectal cancer. Gurgling in the stomach is a manifestation of active bowel sounds.

Bowel sounds refer to the intermittent gurgling sound produced when the intestines contract and the gas and liquid within the intestinal canal flow along with it. This sound is medically referred to as bowel sounds. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal bleeding, and mechanical intestinal obstruction can all lead to the occurrence of bowel sounds.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder that occurs in the large intestine. It is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in stool shape. In simpler terms, it is a disturbance of intestinal function. Its occurrence is related to stress from work and life. People with irritable bowel syndrome are particularly prone to experiencing gurgling in their stomachs after eating.

During gastrointestinal bleeding, the blood flows through the intestinal canal, making the bowel sounds particularly active. Gastroenterologists generally use the activity of bowel sounds to determine whether bleeding has stopped.

When mechanical intestinal obstruction occurs, the patient's intestinal canal expands significantly and gas accumulates, which can easily lead to hyperactive bowel sounds. If there is colorectal cancer, mechanical intestinal obstruction may occur. In most cases, gurgling in the stomach is a normal physiological phenomenon.

It occurs after eating, and many people experience particularly prominent symptoms after drinking milk. However, the symptoms usually resolve within 3 to 4 hours, so there is no need for undue concern.