Symptom 9: Anemia
Anemia is more than just feeling a bit tired or looking pale. It’s a condition marked by a decreased number of red blood cells or a lack of enough hemoglobin in these cells. In the world of gastrinoma, anemia often surfaces due to the chronic bleeding caused by ulcers. As the ulcers continue to bleed, even if slowly, the body loses blood, eventually leading to anemia.
One might wonder how gastrinoma, a condition of the stomach, ties into anemia. The thread that links these two is the excessive stomach acid that gastrinoma triggers. This acid can erode the stomach lining, leading to ulcers. When these ulcers bleed, even if it’s at a microscopic level over time, the cumulative blood loss can result in anemia.
Beyond the technical definitions, how does anemia manifest in daily life? Symptoms can range from fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a rapid heartbeat. These symptoms might seem generic at first, but when viewed alongside other signs of gastrinoma, they become pieces of a larger puzzle.
Anemia isn’t just about a decreased number of red blood cells. If left untreated, it can stress the heart. The heart has to work harder to pump blood, leading to conditions like an enlarged heart or irregular heart rhythms. This highlights the importance of early detection and management. (9)
