Can a Gastroscopy Immediately Detect Stomach Cancer?

Gastroscopy plays a crucial role in the early detection of stomach cancer, especially when the cancer presents with typical visual characteristics. During the procedure, doctors use an electronic gastroscope to examine the stomach lining and identify abnormal areas such as ulcers, nodular growths, or other visible lesions. In many cases, these findings can strongly suggest the presence of gastric cancer.

However, not all cancers can be diagnosed immediately during the procedure. While the gastroscope allows physicians to observe the stomach in detail, a definitive diagnosis often requires a biopsy. This is particularly true for small or poorly differentiated lesions, where visual inspection alone may not be sufficient to confirm cancer.

In more complex cases, such as linitis plastica (also known as "leather bottle stomach"), the diagnosis can be even more challenging. Initial biopsies may not provide a clear answer, and some patients may require multiple rounds of testing. In rare cases, a conclusive diagnosis can only be made after surgical removal and examination of the affected tissue.

During a gastroscopy, if a suspicious mass is found—such as one with an irregular border, a dirty ulcer base, bleeding, uneven surface, grayish color, or unclear boundaries with surrounding mucosa—doctors may suspect cancer based on these visual cues. Additionally, signs like a rigid stomach wall, reduced motility, or thickened gastric walls can further support the suspicion of malignancy.

Nevertheless, pathological examination of biopsy samples is essential for a 100% accurate diagnosis. Only after analyzing the tissue under a microscope can specialists confirm whether the abnormal growth is indeed cancerous. Therefore, while gastroscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool, it is the combination of endoscopic findings and histopathological analysis that leads to a conclusive result.