An endoscopy provides medical professionals with a direct view inside the digestive tract, serving as a primary method for investigating various stomach conditions. When there is suspicion of stomach cancer, this procedure becomes an important diagnostic tool. It allows for a detailed examination of the stomach lining, identifying areas of concern. This direct visualization guides subsequent diagnostic steps.
Understanding Stomach Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy, also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera, guided through the mouth, down the esophagus, into the stomach, and into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. This examination is performed for persistent symptoms suggesting a stomach issue, such as unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. It is also used if other tests, like imaging scans, reveal suspicious findings. The primary objective of an EGD for stomach cancer concerns is to thoroughly visualize the inner lining of these organs to detect abnormalities. This allows identification of subtle changes or visible lesions that may indicate cancerous or pre-cancerous conditions.
The Endoscopic Procedure
Before an upper endoscopy, patients fast for six to eight hours to ensure the stomach is empty. Medical staff provide specific instructions regarding medications that might need adjustment or temporary stoppage. Upon arrival, patients often receive a sedative, administered intravenously to minimize discomfort. Some clinics may also use a local anesthetic spray in the throat to numb the area.
During the procedure, which lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, the endoscope is gently guided into the digestive tract. Air is sometimes introduced through the scope to inflate the stomach, providing a better view of the lining. This inflation can cause a feeling of fullness or mild pressure. The medical professional maneuvers the scope to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, capturing images and sometimes video. After the examination, the scope is withdrawn. Patients are then monitored in a recovery area until the effects of the sedation wear off, which takes about an hour or two. They are advised to have someone accompany them home due to the lingering effects of the sedative.
Interpreting Endoscopy Images for Stomach Cancer
When reviewing endoscopy images for stomach cancer, medical professionals look for several visual characteristics. Ulcers that appear irregular, raised, or have hardened edges are one finding, differing from benign ulcers which often have smooth, well-defined borders. They also search for masses or polyps, which are abnormal growths varying in size and shape, appearing as distinct lumps or thickened tissue.
Discoloration of the stomach lining is another indicator; areas that are red, pale, or have a patchy appearance might suggest underlying cellular changes. Friability, which refers to tissue that bleeds easily upon light touch with the endoscope, is a concerning sign. Medical professionals also examine the pattern of blood vessels, noting any irregular or prominent vessels within the stomach lining. Images are captured and saved during the procedure, allowing for detailed review and comparison.
Beyond the Image: Biopsy and Diagnosis
While endoscopic images can suggest stomach cancer, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made based on visual appearance alone. A biopsy is a necessary step to confirm suspicious findings. During the endoscopy, if an abnormal area is identified, the medical professional can pass instruments through the endoscope to take tissue samples from the suspected lesion. Multiple samples are collected from different parts of the abnormal area to ensure comprehensive analysis.
Tissue samples are sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic examination. A pathologist, a doctor specializing in diagnosing diseases by examining tissues, analyzes the cells for signs of malignancy, determining if cancer cells are present. Biopsy results confirm cancer and identify its specific type and characteristics, which is important for guiding appropriate treatment decisions. This pathological report provides the conclusive diagnosis that informs the patient’s care plan.