How to detect stomach Cancer Early
7 Methods for early Stomach Cancer Detection
Did you know that stomach cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the world, and that it kills more people annually than any other type of gastrointestinal cancer?
Understanding the different methods of detecting stomach cancer is crucial for informed decision-making. This guide aims to equip you with essential information, empowering you or your loved one to navigate the complexities of stomach cancer detection and treatment.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Dr. Aditya Kulkarni at Oasis Clinic He is the Stomach Cancer Specialist in Pune are Here to Guide you every step of the way, offering expert care and unwavering support in the face of stomach cancer.
Keep reading!
Early signs of stomach cancer
Stomach Cancer typically doesn’t show any symptoms in its early stages, which is why it’s so important to be aware of the risk factors and to get regular checkups. If you experience any of the following symptoms, please see a doctor immediately:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Difficulty digesting food
- Feeling full after eating only a small amount
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blood in your stool
If you’ve been diagnosed with stomach cancer and are seeking expert care in Pune, Oasis Clinic is your trusted destination. Led by renowned Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Dr. Aditya Kulkarni, the clinic offers comprehensive treatment options tailored to your individual needs.
Stomach cancer treatment avenues include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy, among others.Dr. Aditya Kulkarni‘s specialized expertise in gastrointestinal surgery ensures that you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment plan based on your cancer’s stage and your overall health.
With a patient-centric approach and cutting-edge techniques, Oasis Clinic is dedicated to guiding you through your journey towards optimal health and well-being.
No matter what, it’s important to stay positive and to work with your medical team to create the best treatment plan for you. With early detection and proper treatment, stomach cancer can be beaten!
7 ways tests to detect stomach cancer
1. Endoscopy:
Endoscopic screening is a useful tool for early detection of stomach cancer. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end into the stomach through the mouth. This allows the doctor to directly visualize the inside of the stomach and look for any abnormal areas.
If any suspicious areas are found, a biopsy can be taken. This is where a small sample of tissue is removed for analysis. This can then confirm or rule out the presence of cancer.
Endoscopic screening is generally recommended for people over the age of 50 who are at increased risk of stomach cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease. It may also be recommended for people who have other risk factors, such as Helicobacter pylori infection.
If you are concerned about your risk of stomach cancer, speak to your doctor. They will be able to advise you on whether endoscopic screening is right for you.
2. CT scan:
CT scanning is another useful tool for stomach cancer detection. A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It can be used to look for cancer in the stomach or other organs.
If a suspicious area is seen on a CT scan, a biopsy can be taken to confirm or rule out the presence of cancer. CT scanning is generally recommended for people who are at increased risk of stomach cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease.
If you are concerned about your risk of stomach cancer, speak to your doctor. They will be able to advise you on whether CT scanning is right for you.
3. MRI:
MRI is another imaging test that can be useful for stomach cancer detection. MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It can be used to look for cancer in the stomach or other organs like CT scan.
If a suspicious area is seen on an MRI scan, a biopsy can be taken to confirm or rule out the presence of cancer. MRI is generally recommended for people who are at increased risk of stomach cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease.
If you are concerned about your risk of stomach cancer, speak to your doctor. They will be able to advise you on whether MRI is right for you.
4. Blood tests:
Blood tests and stool samples can be used to look for cancer markers i.e. certain substances that may be produced by cancer cells of stomach cancer. These tests can be useful for people who are at increased risk of the disease, such as those with a family history of stomach cancer. However, they are not always accurate.
If a suspicious area is found on a blood test or stool sample, further testing will be required to confirm or rule out the presence of cancer.
If you are concerned about your risk of stomach cancer, speak to your doctor. They will be able to advise you on whether blood tests and/or stool samples are right for you.
5. Biopsy:
A biopsy is the removal of a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. A biopsy is the most accurate way to diagnose stomach cancer.
If a suspicious area is seen on an imaging test, such as an MRI scan, a biopsy can be taken to confirm or rule out the presence of cancer A biopsy can also be used to determine the stage of stomach cancer. The stage of a cancer refers to how far it has spread. This information is important in deciding on the best treatment options.
6. Endoscopic ultrasound:
This test combines an endoscope with an ultrasound machine. It’s used to create detailed images of the inside of the stomach and to look for cancerous growths.
An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny ultrasound probe at the end. The tube is passed down the throat and into the stomach. The probe emits sound waves that create images of the inside of the stomach.
EUS can be used to diagnose stomach cancer. If a suspicious area is seen on an EUS, a biopsy can be taken to confirm or rule out the presence of cancer. EUS can also be used to determine the stage of stomach cancer.
The stage of a cancer refers to how far it has spread. This information is important in deciding on the best treatment options.
7. PET scan:
A PET scan is a type of imaging test that uses radiation to create pictures of the inside of the body. It can be used to look for cancer in the stomach or other organs.
A PET scan uses radioactive tracers to create detailed images of the inside of the body. The tracers are injected into the body and then travel through the bloodstream.
The tracers collect in areas of high metabolic activity, such as cancerous tumours. This allows the tumours to be seen on the PET scan.
If a suspicious area is seen on a PET scan, further testing will be required to confirm or rule out the presence of cancer. PET scanning is generally recommended for people who are at increased risk of stomach cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease.
If you are concerned about your risk of stomach cancer, speak to your doctor. They will be able to advise you on whether PET scanning is right for you.
Also read – What is the first sign of stomach cancer?
What are the Benefits of early Detection?
If the cancer has already spread beyond the stomach, treatment becomes much more difficult. In these cases, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be used in an attempt to control the cancer. However, the chances of a cure are much lower.
If you are concerned about your risk of stomach cancer, speak to your doctor. They will be able to advise you on the best way to monitor your health and identify any early signs of the disease.
Dr. Aditya Kulkarni
MS, DNB, FRCS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology & GI Oncology)
Dr. Aditya Kulkarni is a Consultant of Laparoscopic and Robotic Gastrointestinal, Hepato-biliary-pancreatic, and Cancer Surgeon at the renowned Oasis Surgery Clinic Pune.
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