Experiencing symptoms that suggest stomach cancer can be unsettling. It’s crucial to determine whether these symptoms are indeed due to cancer or another health issue. Your doctor will take a comprehensive approach to investigate your condition. This process often begins with gathering detailed information about your health history and conducting initial examinations.
Your doctor’s initial steps in evaluating potential stomach cancer may include:
- Reviewing your medical history: This involves discussing your personal and family medical history to identify any potential risk factors for stomach cancer.
- Performing a physical exam: This will likely include a thorough examination of your abdomen to check for any unusual signs or abnormalities.
- Ordering blood tests: These tests can help detect anemia, a low red blood cell count, which could indicate bleeding in the stomach.
- Stool sample analysis: Checking your stool for occult blood (hidden blood) can also be a sign of stomach bleeding.
Based on the results of these preliminary assessments, your doctor may recommend further diagnostic tests to determine if stomach cancer is present.
Key Tests for Diagnosing Stomach Cancer
Several tests are available to diagnose stomach cancer effectively. These tests not only help in diagnosing the condition but also play a vital role in planning your treatment strategy.
Upper Endoscopy with Biopsy
Upper endoscopy is a primary procedure used to visualize the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). During this procedure, a thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope is carefully passed through your mouth and down your throat. This allows the doctor to directly examine these organs for any abnormal areas.
Crucially, an upper endoscopy often includes a biopsy. If any suspicious areas are identified, the endoscope can be used to collect a small tissue sample. This sample is then sent to a pathologist, a specialized doctor who examines tissues under a microscope to detect cancer cells.
The tissue sample obtained during a biopsy is not only examined for cancer. It can also be tested for the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, a bacterium known to increase the risk of stomach cancer. Furthermore, the tissue may undergo biomarker testing to analyze specific characteristics of the cancer cells, which can guide treatment decisions.
Discuss with your doctor to fully understand what to expect both during and after your upper endoscopy and biopsy procedure. Pathology reports provide detailed information about the biopsy findings, and you can learn more about them through resources like pathology reports fact sheets.
Barium Swallow
Barium swallow, also known as an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series, is a type of X-ray exam used to evaluate the esophagus and stomach. For this test, you will drink a liquid containing barium, a contrast agent that coats the lining of your esophagus and stomach. Barium makes these organs more visible on X-rays.
As the barium liquid moves through your upper digestive system, a series of X-ray images are taken. These images can help identify any abnormalities in the shape and lining of your esophagus and stomach, which might suggest the presence of cancer or other conditions.
CT (CAT) Scan
A CT scan (Computed Tomography scan), sometimes referred to as a CAT scan, is an advanced imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of your body. These scans provide a more in-depth view of your internal organs compared to standard X-rays.
In some cases, a contrast dye may be administered intravenously (injected into a vein) or orally (swallowed) before the CT scan. This dye helps to highlight organs and tissues, making them easier to see on the images. CT scans are valuable in diagnosing stomach cancer and assessing if the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or distant organs.
For more comprehensive information about this imaging method, you can refer to resources specifically about CT scans and their role in cancer diagnosis.
Biomarker Testing
Biomarker testing is a sophisticated analysis performed on tissue samples to identify specific genes, proteins, and other substances (biomarkers or tumor markers) within cancer cells. These biomarkers can provide crucial information about the characteristics of the stomach cancer.
Biomarker testing plays an increasingly important role in cancer treatment planning. Certain biomarkers can predict how a cancer might respond to specific therapies. By identifying these biomarkers, doctors can personalize treatment plans, choosing therapies that are most likely to be effective for your specific type of stomach cancer.
Tissue samples for biomarker testing are typically collected during a biopsy or surgery. These samples are then analyzed in a specialized laboratory to determine the presence and nature of relevant biomarkers in the stomach cancer cells. For stomach cancer, specific biomarker tests are often performed to guide targeted therapy decisions.
To gain a deeper understanding of biomarker testing and its implications for cancer treatment, further resources on biomarker testing for cancer treatment are available. You can also explore information about stomach cancer treatment options to understand how diagnosis and biomarker testing inform the overall management of the disease.
Tests to Stage Stomach Cancer
If stomach cancer is diagnosed, further tests are needed to determine the stage of the cancer. Staging is the process of finding out if the cancer has spread beyond the stomach and, if so, to what extent. Knowing the stage of the cancer is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment approach. Imaging tests like CT scans, PET scans, and endoscopic ultrasound may be used for staging purposes.
Consulting with a gastrointestinal oncologist, a specialist in cancers of the stomach and intestines, is crucial after a stomach cancer diagnosis. They will guide you through the staging process and discuss treatment options tailored to your specific situation.
Seeking a Second Opinion
Considering a second opinion after a stomach cancer diagnosis is a wise step. A second opinion can provide reassurance and potentially offer alternative perspectives on your diagnosis and treatment plan. To seek a second opinion, you will need to gather your medical records, including test results, pathology reports, and scans, to share with another doctor.
The doctor providing the second opinion will review your case thoroughly and offer their expert recommendation. This may confirm the initial diagnosis and treatment plan, suggest modifications, or propose a different approach altogether. Seeking a second opinion empowers you with more information and confidence in your healthcare decisions.
For assistance in finding a doctor, hospital, or obtaining a second opinion, resources are available to help you navigate these important steps in your cancer journey. You can also find resources that provide questions to ask your doctor to ensure you have all the information you need.
Seeking prompt medical attention and undergoing appropriate diagnostic tests are critical steps if you experience symptoms suggestive of stomach cancer. Early diagnosis and staging are essential for effective treatment and improved outcomes.
