Stomach Cancer Diagnosis
How to diagnose stomach cancer?
Early signs of stomach cancer, symptoms
In stomach cancer, the diagnosis is based on the medical history and with the help of medical examinations.
Laboratory tests
When the stomach cancer bleeds in the stomach, blood in stool can be detected with a test (fecal occult blood test). When a blood test of iron deficiency anemia is found, which is a sign for a longer bleeding of the tumor.
In gastric cancer, doctor determines the so-called tumor markers CA 72-4, CA 19-9 and CEA in the blood. Tumor markers are special substances, which tend to accumulate in the blood in certain tumors. If an increased concentration is detected, these markers levels can serve in the course of the therapy monitoring. As a screening test for a first indication of stomach cancer, the tumor markers, however, are not suitable.
Gastroscopy
In the stomach cancer diagnosis, the upper GI endoscopy (e.g. gastroscopy) plays an important role. In this examination, the doctor pushes a flexible tube-like instrument (endoscope) from the esophagus into the stomach. In the interior of this, instrument run glass fibers, which allows an illumination and observation of the inside of the stomach from outside. At the head of instrument, usually a tiny camera is attached, so that the images produced can be viewed on a monitor and saved. In an endoscope, there is also a small tube, can be pushed forward by the specific instruments in the stomach. With these instruments, under under visual investigation, the physician can take a small sample from suspicious areas of the gastric wall, and then analyze them in the laboratory under a microscope for stomach cancer.
The upper GI endoscopy should always be done, even though stomach symptoms disappear within a few weeks. It is the best investigation to diagnose stomach cancer at an early stage. In this way, the opportunity to cure, is very high. In general, outpatient can receive a gastroscopy and it only takes you a few minutes. During swallowing of the hose, the persons concerned often feel uncomfortable, so it is better to improve compatibility with a mild anesthetic sedation.
Article From: Stomachcancersymptoms.org
Created: 2011-12-08
Last update: 2012-02-21