The most reliable way to diagnose gastric cancer

The Most Reliable Way to Diagnose Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the stomach. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The most common symptom of gastric cancer is abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and bleeding.

The most reliable way to diagnose gastric cancer is with a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the stomach and examined under a microscope. A biopsy can be done during an endoscopy or a laparoscopy.

Endoscopy

An endoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, lighted tube is inserted into the stomach through the mouth. The endoscope allows the doctor to see the inside of the stomach and take biopsies of any suspicious areas.

Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy is a procedure in which a small incision is made in the abdomen and a laparoscope is inserted. The laparoscope allows the doctor to see the inside of the abdomen and take biopsies of any suspicious areas.

Other tests

In addition to a biopsy, other tests may be used to diagnose gastric cancer. These tests may include:

Upper gastrointestinal series (UGI): An UGI is an X-ray of the upper gastrointestinal tract. It can show abnormalities in the stomach that may be caused by gastric cancer.

Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan is a type of X-ray that uses a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It can show the size and location of a gastric tumor.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI is a type of imaging test that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It can show the size and location of a gastric tumor.

Positron emission tomography (PET): A PET scan is a type of imaging test that uses radioactive glucose to show areas of increased activity in the body. Gastric cancer cells use more glucose than normal cells, so a PET scan can show the location of a gastric tumor.

Treatment

The treatment for gastric cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. The stage of the cancer is determined by the size of the tumor, the location of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

The most common treatment for gastric cancer is surgery. Surgery to remove the tumor may be followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is a type of drug treatment that kills cancer cells. Radiation therapy is a type of treatment that uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.

Prognosis

The prognosis for gastric cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis. The five-year survival rate for gastric cancer is 60% for patients who are diagnosed with early-stage cancer. The five-year survival rate is 20% for patients who are diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent gastric cancer. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing gastric cancer, such as:

Eating a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables

Maintaining a healthy weight

Avoiding tobacco smoke

Limiting alcohol intake

Getting regular exercise

Taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

If you have any of the symptoms of gastric cancer, it is important to see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your chances of a successful outcome.

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