Stomach Cancer
| Causes & symptoms | The Treatment | Questions |  |
Diagnosis
The following tests are all used to diagnose cancer of the stomach:
Barium Meal
In this test a liquid called barium, which shows up on X-ray, is swallowed and used to outline the gullet and stomach.
In this test a liquid called barium, which shows up on X-ray, is swallowed and used to outline the gullet and stomach.
Gastroscopy
This test allows the doctor to examine the inside of your stomach.
A local anaesthetic is then sprayed onto the back of the throat and the doctor passes a gastroscope, which is like a thin, flexible telescope, down the gullet and into the stomach. The doctor then looks through the gastroscope and examines the inside of the stomach. Photographs are taken of the stomach and a small sample of the cells (biopsy) is taken for examination under a microscope.
This test allows the doctor to examine the inside of your stomach.
A local anaesthetic is then sprayed onto the back of the throat and the doctor passes a gastroscope, which is like a thin, flexible telescope, down the gullet and into the stomach. The doctor then looks through the gastroscope and examines the inside of the stomach. Photographs are taken of the stomach and a small sample of the cells (biopsy) is taken for examination under a microscope.
Further Tests
If the tests show you do have cancer of the stomach your doctor will probably want to do some further tests to see if there has been any spread of the disease to other parts of the body. It also helps the doctor to decide on the best type of treatment for you.
The tests may include any of the following:
CT Scan (CAT Scan)
A CT scan is another type of X-ray. A number of pictures are taken of the area and fed into a computer to form a detailed picture of the inside of the body.
A CT scan is another type of X-ray. A number of pictures are taken of the area and fed into a computer to form a detailed picture of the inside of the body.
Ultrasound Scan
In this test, sound waves are used to make up a picture of the area of the stomach and the liver. A small probe, like a microphone, which produces sound waves, is then passed over the area. The echoes are converted into a picture by using a computer.
Ultrasound can be used to measure the size and position of a tumour.
In this test, sound waves are used to make up a picture of the area of the stomach and the liver. A small probe, like a microphone, which produces sound waves, is then passed over the area. The echoes are converted into a picture by using a computer.
Ultrasound can be used to measure the size and position of a tumour.
