Understanding Borborygmi: Can Stomach Noises Be a Sign of Bowel Cancer?

Everyone knows about stomach sounds. You may hear your stomach gurgling, grumbling, or making strange noises, or notice a rumbling stomach and at times, they appear at the most inconvenient moments. These stomach sounds are medically known as borborygmi and are also referred to as digestive noises or intestinal sounds.  

Most of the time, they’re harmless and caused by the movement of gas or fluids in the intestines. However, they can occasionally be a matter of concern, especially when they persist and are accompanied by other symptoms.  It raises an important question: Can stomach noises be a sign of bowel cancer?  

Let's explore more into what these gut sounds mean, when they're normal, and when it's time to see a doctor. Understanding your body's cues can help you catch serious issues early or alleviate unnecessary worry.  

Stomach noises or growling are a completely normal part of the digestive process. They can occur more prominently when the stomach is empty, increasing the echo effect of the gurgling sounds. 

They occur when air and fluid move through the digestive tract. The gastrointestinal tract, which includes the small and large intestines, plays a key role in producing these sounds as food, gas, and digestive juices move through it.  

The noises usually remind us that the intestines are doing their job of breaking down food and moving it along with muscular contractions called peristalsis.  

However, there may be other instances when your stomach makes those sounds. Common causes of these sounds include:  

Know that in most cases, these noises are harmless and not a sign of anything dangerous. But then, there are instances when you should be a little concerned about them. We'll help you understand more about that in the next section.   

As we read earlier, gut sounds alone are rarely a cause for alarm. Normal gut sounds are typically intermittent, soft, and not accompanied by pain or changes in bowel habits. However, what you should look for is whether they accompany other symptoms. These symptoms, along with the stomach noises, would definitely need you to have a closer look.   

Check if your stomach is constantly noisy and if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms.  If yes, it may be time for you to go and talk to your healthcare provider:  

These signs may point to a more serious digestive issue, including bowel cancer. The chances grow higher if you're over the age of 50 or have a family history of colon or rectal cancer. When a tumor begins to grow, it exhibits signs and symptoms (as above), including stomach noises.   

A prompt medical evaluation is important for these symptoms to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, develops in the colon or rectum. Colon cancer is a common type of bowel cancer and may present with digestive symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, or abnormal bowel sounds. 

We insist on the point that stomach noises are not typically a direct symptom of bowel cancer. However, bowel cancer can cause certain complications, such as partial bowel obstruction. This can lead to changes in gut motility, resulting in unusual sounds. The tumor made of cancer cells can also be large enough to interfere with the passage of food or waste. It may cause gurgling or high-pitched bowel sounds, accompanied by discomfort or changes in bowel function. And this is what you should notice and be concerned about.  

So, noisy digestion alone is rarely a red flag. But in the presence of other concerning symptoms, it might be part of a larger issue worth investigating.  

Early intervention for bowel cancer significantly improves outcomes, which is often linked to recognizing symptoms. The first signs of bowel cancer may include persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, or discomfort after eating. 

NOTE: Regular screenings for bowel cancer should begin earlier. It is especially important for people over 45 and those with a family history of the disease.  

There can be other conditions that are not cancerous but can cause your stomach to make noises and show other symptoms that resemble colorectal cancer. These include:  

Stomach noises may indicate a need for medical attention if they are persistent and accompanied by symptoms like weight loss or changes in bowel habits. So, if you're dealing with persistent stomach activity along with other gastrointestinal symptoms, you should consult a doctor. He is the best person to rule out these more common conditions before considering cancer after tests.  

You Should Know: A doctor may use a stethoscope to listen to bowel sounds and may order further tests like a CT scan, X-ray, or endoscopy to diagnose the underlying cause.