Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, begins when cells in the stomach grow out of control. This disease can affect any part of the stomach, often starting in the inner lining. Early and accurate identification of stomach cancer is important for effective management and treatment planning.
Understanding Stomach Cancer Diagnosis
The primary objective in diagnosing stomach cancer is to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. Once cancer is confirmed, the next goal is to determine the specific type of stomach cancer, as different types may respond differently to treatments.
Another goal of the diagnostic process is to determine the stage of the cancer. Staging evaluates how far the cancer has spread from its original location in the stomach. This includes assessing if it has invaded deeper layers of the stomach wall, spread to nearby lymph nodes, or metastasized to distant organs. Understanding the stage is important for developing an appropriate treatment strategy.
X-ray Based Imaging for Stomach Cancer
X-ray based imaging methods assist in the initial assessment and staging of stomach cancer. One technique is the barium swallow, also known as an upper GI (gastrointestinal) series. During this procedure, a patient drinks a liquid containing barium, which coats the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, making these structures visible on X-ray images. This allows radiologists to identify abnormalities like ulcers, strictures, or filling defects that might suggest a tumor.
Computed Tomography (CT) scans are another X-ray based imaging method used for stomach cancer. A CT scanner uses multiple X-ray beams to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. For stomach cancer, CT scans can help visualize the primary tumor, assess its size, and determine if it has spread to nearby organs like the liver or pancreas. CT scans also detect enlarged lymph nodes, which may indicate regional cancer spread, and can guide biopsies of suspicious areas.
Additional Diagnostic Imaging Tests
Beyond X-ray based methods, other diagnostic tools are used for a comprehensive evaluation of stomach cancer. Upper endoscopy, also known as gastroscopy, is a primary diagnostic procedure. During an endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to visualize the stomach lining directly. This allows doctors to observe suspicious areas like ulcers, masses, or mucosal changes, and to take tissue samples (biopsies) for examination.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) combines endoscopy with ultrasound technology. A small ultrasound probe is attached to the end of an endoscope, generating detailed images of the stomach wall and surrounding structures. EUS is useful for determining the depth of tumor invasion into the stomach wall and assessing the involvement of nearby lymph nodes. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans detect metabolically active cancer cells throughout the body, helping to identify distant metastases not visible on other scans. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues, useful for evaluating tumor spread to certain organs or the brain.
Why Multiple Tests Are Essential
A comprehensive diagnosis of stomach cancer requires various diagnostic tests, as no single test provides all the necessary information. Each method offers unique insights into the disease’s extent and characteristics. For instance, an upper endoscopy confirms cancer and allows for tissue sampling, while a CT scan assesses spread to distant organs and lymph nodes.
The combination of these tests contributes to accurate cancer staging, which classifies how much cancer is in the body and where it is located. Accurate staging guides the most appropriate treatment plan, whether it involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches. Gathering information from multiple sources ensures a complete picture of the disease, leading to informed and effective treatment decisions.