Main Diagnostic Methods for Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer diagnosis primarily relies on a combination of advanced medical imaging and endoscopic techniques. These methods not only help detect the presence of cancer but also assist in determining its stage and the most effective treatment plan. The main diagnostic tools include gastroscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, CT scans, and PET-CT scans.

Gastroscopy is the most commonly used diagnostic tool in identifying stomach cancer. During the procedure, a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to examine the inside of the stomach. If any abnormal tissue is found, a biopsy can be performed to collect samples for pathological analysis, which confirms the diagnosis.

When standard gastroscopy doesn't provide clear results, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) becomes a valuable alternative. This technique uses sound waves to create detailed images of the stomach walls and surrounding structures. EUS can detect lesions that are not visible with regular gastroscopy and allows for deeper tissue sampling through fine-needle aspiration or core biopsy, significantly improving diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, EUS helps in staging the cancer by assessing whether the tumor has spread to nearby lymph nodes like the Virchow node, which influences surgical decisions.

CT scans play a crucial role in evaluating tumor spread beyond the stomach. They are particularly useful in determining whether the cancer has invaded nearby organs such as the esophagus, duodenum, pancreas, or spleen. In addition to helping with clinical staging, CT scans provide detailed anatomical information that assists surgeons in planning the operation and assessing the complexity of the procedure.

If the previous three methods fail to provide a definitive diagnosis, PET-CT scans are often recommended. This advanced imaging technique combines positron emission tomography (PET) with computed tomography (CT) to detect cancer activity throughout the body. It not only aids in confirming the presence of stomach cancer but also identifies distant metastases, which is essential for deciding whether surgery is a viable option or if other treatments should be considered.