Stomach Noises: Could This be a Sign of Bowel Cancer?

Stomach noises, medically known as borborygmi, are common and usually harmless sounds produced by the movement of gas and fluids through the intestines. While these noises are typically normal, there are instances where they might indicate underlying health issues, including bowel cancer. In this blog, we speak to Stephen T. Mahoney, M.D., a colorectal surgeon with INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Colon and Rectal Surgery, to learn more. 

“The good news is most colon cancers are preventable through appropriate screening,” Mahoney says. “The majority of colon cancers start as polyps which can be detected and removed before they have a chance to become a colon cancer. Ask your primary care provider if you are up to date on colon cancer screening.” 

What are stomach noises?

At a glance: Borborygmi are the rumbling or gurgling sounds you hear coming from your stomach and intestines. These sounds are completely normal and occur as your digestive system muscles move food, liquids and gas through your body.

The digestive tract is lined with smooth muscles that create wave-like contractions known as peristalsis. 

• These contractions help move food, liquids and gas through the intestines, producing the characteristic rumbling sounds.
• The noises can occur anytime but are often more noticeable when hungry, as the stomach prepares for food by triggering digestive activity.

The term "borborygmi" is derived from the Greek word "borborygmós.”

• It’s one of the few words in the English language that directly imitates a sound.

Common reasons stomach makes noise

What to know: The body’s normal digestion is the most common reason the stomach makes noise. Stomach sounds also may occur when you’re hungry or due to dietary choices. The sounds tend to be more noticeable on an empty stomach because there's less material to muffle the noise.

Peristalsis is the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the muscles in the intestines that helps move objects through the digestive tract. 

• The movements can create gurgling or rumbling sounds.

Gas in the intestines can come from swallowing air or the breakdown of certain foods by bacteria.

• When gas bubbles move through the intestines, they can cause the liquid and other contents to shift, producing noise similar to the sound of water moving through pipes.

Hunger initiates a process in which the brain signals to the digestive system to prepare for food.

• This increases muscle contractions, which then creates stomach noises.

The digestive process that involves food mixing with digestive juices can produce sounds.

• The process creates a semi-liquid mixture called chyme that can cause gurgling or sloshing sounds, especially as it moves through narrow sections of the intestines.

Certain foods, especially those high in fiber, can increase gas production and lead to more noticeable stomach noises.

• Fiber adds bulk to the digestive contents, which can stimulate stronger and louder muscle contractions in the intestines.
• Soluble fiber is fermented by bacteria in the large intestine and produces gas as a byproduct, which can lead to more rumbling and gurgling sounds.

When stomach noises could be a sign of something more

Why it matters: While stomach noises are typically harmless, persistent or unusual sounds accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss could be a sign you need to see a doctor.

Persistent pain or cramps that accompany stomach noises could be a sign of a gastrointestinal issue.

• An intestinal blockage could cause pain as food struggles to move past the obstruction.
• Conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis cause inflammation in the GI tract, which can lead to pain and increased bowel sounds.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause abdominal pain and cramps due to increased sensitivity.

Changes in bowel habits along with unusual stomach noises may indicate a problem.

• Various digestive disorders can cause persistent diarrhea or constipation.
• Food allergies or intolerances (lactose intolerance) can also cause changes in bowel habits.

Bloating and swelling accompanied by stomach noises could be a sign of an underlying condition.

• Excess gas production typically causes bloating and swelling in the abdomen.
• Common culprits include Celiac disease, gastrointestinal infections, IBS, food intolerances or an accumulation of bacteria in the small intestine (called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).

Unexplained weight loss along with unusual stomach sounds might suggest a more serious health issue.

• Celiac disease or chronic pancreatitis can cause issues absorbing nutrients.
• Altered digestion and nutrient absorption may also be tied to Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can increase metabolism, leading to weight loss and potentially affecting digestive processes.
• Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to weight loss and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Nausea or vomiting in conjunction with stomach noises can be a sign of a digestive disorder.

• Gastroenteritis leads to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in nausea, vomiting and increased stomach noises due to heightened digestive activity.
• Food poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting and digestive disturbances as the body attempts to expel the toxins.
• Peptic ulcers in the stomach lining can cause nausea and vomiting, along with increased stomach noises, due to irritation.
• Gastroparesis involves delayed stomach emptying, which can lead to nausea, vomiting and unusual stomach sounds as food moves slowly through the digestive tract.

Bowel cancer and stomach noises

Key points: Stomach noises themselves are not typically a direct sign of bowel cancer. However, when they occur alongside other symptoms, they might warrant further investigation. Colon cancer can cause stomach noises due to several factors related to changes in the digestive process and the physical presence of a tumor in the colon. 

A tumor from colon cancer can cause a bowel obstruction and lead to stomach noises.

• A blockage can prevent the passage of food and waste, causing the muscles of the intestines to contract more forcefully in an attempt to move contents past the blockage.
• A tumor can narrow the lumen (the hollow part of the intestine), making it difficult for contents to pass through and cause partial obstructions.
• Inflammation and swelling can also narrow the intestinal passage and increase digestive sounds as the body attempts to push contents through the affected area.

Stool consistency and frequency typically change as a result of colon cancer, which can lead to more stomach noises.

• Blockages or partial obstructions from tumors can cause diarrhea or constipation, causing the intestines to work harder and make more noise.

Altered digestive motility occurs because colon cancer can affect the nerves and muscles that control bowel movements.

• This can result in irregular bowel habits and increased stomach noises as the digestive system struggles to maintain normal function.

Increased gas production is common in people with cancer due to issues with nutrient absorption. 

• Increased fermentation of undigested food by bacteria in the colon results in more gas and noises.

Next steps: Contact your primary care physician and ask for a referral to a gastrointestinal doctor or a colorectal surgeon for a colonoscopy. 

Get a Colonoscopy and Get Peace of Mind

Early detection makes all the difference when it comes to colorectal cancer. Either talk to your primary care physician for a referral or make an appointment with any of our gastroenterologists directly. Schedule your screening today.

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