Soft Or Hard Texture Of Early Gastric Cancer

During endoscopic examinations, early gastric cancer often presents with a relatively soft texture, making it difficult to distinguish from normal gastric mucosa. The lesions associated with early gastric cancer are typically confined to the mucosa and submucosal layers of the stomach, and they tend to be small and not easily noticeable. These early-stage abnormalities are often detected incidentally during routine endoscopic screenings. Visually, they may not exhibit clear signs that immediately indicate malignancy.

When a gastroenterologist suspects the presence of gastric cancer during an endoscopy, a biopsy is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis. Tissue samples are collected and sent for pathological analysis, which typically takes about a week to yield results. In many cases, these results confirm the presence of cancer, often at an early stage. As the cancer progresses and the lesion grows, the texture of the affected tissue tends to become firmer. This change in consistency can be an important indicator of disease progression during follow-up examinations.

Understanding the physical characteristics of early gastric cancer can aid in early detection and timely intervention. Regular screenings and awareness of subtle changes in tissue texture during endoscopy are crucial for improving patient outcomes.