Stomach Cancer
Medical Tests & Diagnosis
Anamnesis (detailed medical review of past health state): One
of the first steps in establishing a cancer diagnosis is a detailed and
complex medical review of the patient's past health problems and general
health state, followed by a detailed interview focused on displayed symptoms
and gastric cancer risk factors.
Physical Examination: The role of a physical examination is to
confirm the general health state and to identify possible signs of the
cancer. The doctor will also look for any abnormal changes on the abdominal
area.
Blood Tests: There are three blood tests used
in the diagnoses process of gastric cancer: 1). beta-human
chorionic gonadotropin assay, b -hCG , 2).
CA-125 assay, and 3). CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)
assay. These three substances are produced both by cancerous and normal
cells. When the level of these substances is higher then the normal limits,
it can be a sign of gastric cancer.
Imaging Tests
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Barium Upper Gastrointestinal Radiography:
This test is performed in order to visualize any abnormalities
or changes that occurred in the normal outlook of the stomach,
esophagus and the first part of the small intestine lining
(called Upper GI). In order to perform this image test, the
patient will swallow a barium-contrasting substance. Barium
is a liquid that coats the lining of the esophagus, stomach
and small intestine making it more visible for the x-ray device.
Prior to this test, the patient is asked to not eat and drink
any liquid for at least 6 hours before the test. Once swallowed,
the barium will start working in less than one hour. Also,
one of the main side effects of this test are: constipation
and pale stools for few days after the test.
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- Computed Tomography (CT scan): This image test is
similar with an x-ray test and creates a detailed cross-sectional image
of the body. A CT scan is usually performed in two steps. First, the
patient's targeted area will be scanned. Second, the patient receives
a contrast agent through IV which allows the cancer to be better visualized
and then the targeted area is scanned one more time. Both sets of pictures
are compared. A CT scan is an efficient test in the diagnoses process
because it offers a clear image of the stomach and confirms the exact
location of the cancer. Also, a CT scan can show if the cancer spreads
to adjacent organs or structures, or distal organs. This image test
can help establishing a treatment plan.
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Positron Emission Tomography (PET): This is another
image test used successfully in diagnosing stomach cancer. Positron
Emission Tomography uses radioactive glucose to locate cancer. This
glucose contains a radioactive atom that is absorbed by the cancerous
cells. The radioactivity is then detected by a special camera. A PET
scan is efficient in determining whether or not the cancer has spread
beyond the stomach.
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Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI): This image
test uses radio waves and strong magnets to reveal a complete image
of the body targeted area. The energy from the radiowaves is absorbed
by the tissues and then revealed into a recognizable pattern on a
special monitor.
Endoscopy Procedures
-
Upper Endoscopy: This type of endoscopy is performed
to reveal the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small
intestine (Upper GI). Following sedation of the patient, the doctor
uses a thin, flexible, lighted tube which is inserted through the
patient's throat into the digestive tract. The endoscope allows the
doctor to see inside the esophagus, stomach and small intestine and
examine the possible abnormalities and changes that occurred. If needed,
tissue samples are taken during the endoscopy for microscopic examination.
Before an endoscopy, the patient is not allowed to eat and drink for
several hours. The main side effect of this procedure is a discomfort
sensation in the throat.
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Endoscopic Ultarsound (EUS): This procedure
offers an accurate identification of the cancer stage by combining
two classic tests: endoscopy and untrasound. The doctor inserts a
transducer type endoscope via the throat in order to "see"
inside the patient's stomach. This type of endoscope works as an ultrasound
device that sends out high-frequency sound waves to create an image
of the stomach. The advantage of this procedure is that the transducer
is placed directly near the stomach walls allowing the ultrasound
to precisely determine how far the tumor has invaded the stomach walls
and how many adjacent lymph nodes are affected. Before this procedure,
the patient is asked to not eat and drink for at least four hours.
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Laparoscopy: This is a surgical procedure used
to check the health state of organs within the abdominal cavity. This
procedure uses a thin tube, called a laparoscope, which is inserted
through a small incision into the patient's abdomen. The doctor can
closely examine the stomach and adjacent lymph nodes for signs of
cancer. This procedure can be performed in combination with ultrasound
techniques in order to obtain a better image of the stomach and surrounding
areas. If needed, tissue samples can be taken and examined under microscope.
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Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com
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