Gastric Cancer Endoscopic Features

Endoscopic features of gastric cancer vary depending on the stage and type of the disease, including early gastric cancer, advanced gastric cancer, and diffuse gastric cancer. Understanding these distinctions can help improve early detection and diagnosis.

In the case of early gastric cancer, the mucosa may show slight elevations with a granular appearance, which can be easily mistaken for common gastritis if not carefully examined. Patients are recommended to undergo magnifying endoscopy, which can reveal subtle vascular changes on the surface of the affected mucosa. For a more comfortable experience, painless endoscopy is preferred, significantly reducing the risk of missed diagnosis.

When it comes to advanced gastric cancer, the tumor is typically more developed and may appear as cauliflower-like masses, large ulcers, or diffuse infiltrative lesions. Unlike typical benign gastric ulcers that have smooth margins, gastric cancer ulcers often have rigid, irregular borders and are prone to bleeding. This distinct characteristic can help differentiate malignant lesions from benign conditions during endoscopic examination.

Lastly, diffuse gastric cancer is marked by a relatively smooth mucosal surface but with a stiff and thickened gastric wall. This type of cancer, sometimes referred to as "linitis plastica" or leather bottle stomach, is particularly aggressive and is more commonly diagnosed in young female patients. Due to its invasive nature, early detection is crucial for improving patient outcomes.