Stomach Cancer Diagnosis
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Diagnosing Stomach Cancer
People known to be at high risk for stomach cancer and who are also experiencing symptoms associated with the disease may be referred to a specialist for further testing. Some of the more common diagnostic tests for stomach cancer include:
Upper Endoscopy - Also known as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD, this is the main test for detecting stomach cancer. Patients are sedated while a thin, lighted tube is inserted through the mouth. The scope allows the doctor to see the esophagus, stomach and part of the intestine. Doctors may biopsy abnormal tissue during this procedure.
Endoscopic Ultrasound - Doctors use an endoscope tube with a small ultrasound tip to look at the layers of the stomach wall. This procedure can guide doctors during a biopsy. During the staging process, this is also a useful procedure for determining if cancer has spread.
Upper Gastrointestinal Series - Images from barium X-rays are used to detect any abnormalities in the stomach.
Doctors may order additional imaging tests, such as a MRI, PET or CT scan and other lab tests to accurately diagnose your condition. Should your doctor diagnose stomach cancer, many of these tests may be repeated after treatment has started to gauge the effectiveness of cancer therapies.
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