How Stomach Cancer Is Diagnosed?

Most stomach cancers are found at late stage, when they’re small and have not yet spread. In many cases, stomach cancer can be diagnosed before it causes any symptoms.

If you have symptoms of stomach cancer, your doctor will likely order one or more tests to find out if you have the disease.

Endoscopy

During an endoscopy, your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera (endoscope) down your throat and into your stomach. Your doctor uses the endoscope to look for abnormal areas in your stomach lining. If any are found, your doctor may take a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Imaging tests

X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to create detailed pictures of your stomach. These images may help your doctor identify a tumor.

Biopsy

If stomach cancer is suspected, your doctor will likely recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope for cancer cells. A biopsy can be done during an endoscopy or using other imaging guidance.

Blood tests

Cancerous tumors often release substances into the bloodstream that can be detected with blood tests. Your doctor may order blood tests to look for signs of stomach cancer.

If stomach cancer is diagnosed, additional tests may be done to determine the stage (extent) of the disease. Staging is a way of describing where the cancer is located, if or how far it has spread and if it has recurred (come back). Information from staging tests is used to help plan treatment for stomach cancer.

It is a process of describing the extent to which the cancer has developed. It is used to help plan treatment for the disease. Stages of stomach cancer range from 0-4, with stage 4 being the most serious.

Stage 0:

Cancer cells are found in the lining of the stomach but have not spread outside of this layer.

Stage 1:

Cancer has spread through the mucus-producing layer and into the muscle layer of the stomach wall.

Stage 2:

Cancer has spread through the muscle layer of the stomach wall and into nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 3:

Cancer has spread through the stomach wall and into nearby lymph nodes and tissues.

Stage 4:

Cancer has spread to other organs, such as the liver or lungs.

The stage of stomach cancer is determined by several factors, including the size of the tumor, how far it has spread and if it has recurred. Treatment options depend on the stage of the disease as well as the patient’s overall health.

Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are common treatments for stomach cancer, while clinical trials testing new treatments may also be an option.

Treatment for stomach cancer depends on the stage of the disease, your overall health and your preferences. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Clinical trials testing new treatments are also an option.

Stomach cancer is usually found at an early stage when symptoms have not yet developed; however, treatment options depend on the stage of the disease as well as the patient’s overall health.

Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are common treatments for stomach cancer, while clinical trials testing new treatments may also be an option.

If you have any symptoms that may be associated with stomach cancer, talk to your doctor so that he or she can determine the cause and provide the appropriate treatment.