Diagnosing Gastric (Stomach) Cancer
To diagnose gastric cancer, doctors may use a variety of examinations, screening tests, and procedures. These tests help confirm a diagnosis and determine the type, severity, or stage of gastric cancer.
Here are the examinations, screening tests, and procedures used to diagnose gastric cancer:
- Physical Examination: A doctor will perform a physical exam of the stomach to check for any abnormalities.
- Upper Endoscopy: This is the most common test for gastric cancer. A doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end through the throat to examine the esophagus, stomach, and beginning of the small intestine.
- Biopsy: During an endoscopy, a doctor may take small tissue samples. These samples are sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound: Doctors use a small ultrasound attached to an endoscope to create images of the inside of the stomach. This can help identify abnormalities and check whether the cancer has spread to surrounding lymph nodes or other areas.
- X-rays: Doctors may use an X-ray to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and first section of the small intestine.
To determine the type, severity, or stage of gastric cancer, additional examinations, tests, or procedures are done. These tests help identify factors or indicators of the type, severity, or stage of gastric cancer. Some of these tests may include:
- Medical Imaging: Tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans can provide detailed images of the stomach and surrounding areas. These imaging tests help determine the size and location of the tumor and whether it has spread to other organs.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests can measure certain substances in the blood that may indicate the presence of gastric cancer.
- Staging System: Doctors use a staging system to determine how severe a case of Gastric Cancer is. Factors such as tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis (spread) are taken into account.
- Biopsy: If a tumor is discovered during diagnostic tests, a biopsy is performed to analyze tissue samples in more detail. This helps determine the specific type of gastric cancer.
Specialists involved in diagnosing gastric cancer may include gastroenterologists (doctors who specialize in digestive disorders), oncologists (doctors who specialize in cancer treatment), radiologists (doctors who interpret medical imaging), and pathologists (doctors who examine tissue samples).
It's important to remember that these tests should be conducted by medical professionals. If you have any concerns or symptoms related to gastric cancer, it's best to consult with your healthcare provider who can guide you through appropriate testing and provide personalized advice based on your individual situation.