Which Laboratory Tests Are Helpful For Diagnosing Stomach Cancer

Blood tests can serve as an initial screening method when evaluating for stomach cancer. These tests often measure levels of tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen (CA 19-9). While these markers may be elevated in some cancer patients, they are not specific enough to confirm a diagnosis on their own.

Gastroscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosing gastric cancer. This procedure allows doctors to directly visualize the stomach lining and identify abnormal areas, including subtle or early-stage lesions that may not be easily detectable through other methods. Advanced endoscopic techniques such as chromoendoscopy, magnifying endoscopy, and narrow-band imaging (NBI) can further enhance the accuracy of detection.

Imaging studies like CT scans and ultrasound play a key role in staging the disease. Computed tomography (CT) is particularly useful for identifying advanced or late-stage stomach cancer and can help determine whether the cancer has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes. Ultrasound, including endoscopic ultrasound, can also provide valuable information about tumor depth and local spread. However, these imaging methods are generally less effective at detecting early-stage cancers compared to endoscopic evaluation.