Diagnosing Stomach Cancer

The symptoms of stomach cancer are very mild in its early stage, which unfortunately means that diagnosis is often made when the disease is very advanced. It is essential that anyone experiencing symptoms such as persistent indigestion should consult with their GP immediately - particularly if they are over 40.

The doctor will check the patient's full medical history and ask about how and when the symptoms were noticed. After performing a physical examination, a blood sample to test for anaemia, lack of protein and other characteristic abnormalities associated with the disease will normally be taken. A stool sample will also be requested for examination.

If the doctor suspects cancer, then they will arrange a number of further investigations, including the following:

Barium Meal

A procedure known as a barium meal X-ray will reveal the presence of stomach cancer in 90% of cases. This involves drinking a fluid containing barium (a white substance that shows up on X-rays) which outlines the stomach to enable the doctor to find tumours or other abnormal areas.

Gastroscopy

In this procedure, a flexible viewing tube is passed into the stomach via the mouth and throat and is used to inspect the lining of stomach. This tube may also be used by the doctor to take a biopsy (a small sample) of any suspicious looking areas for later examination.

Staging the Disease

If stomach cancer is discovered, the doctor must then find out what stage it is at to help them decide (with the patient) the best course of treatment. This process is known as 'staging' and may be carried out using ultrasound scans, computerised tomography (CT scans) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) to look at the stomach, liver and lymph nodes.

If the cancer is discovered at an early stage, then it will be contained within the stomach wall or lining. However, as the cancer advances, it may invade neighbouring organs, such as the liver or lungs. It may also break away and travel to distant parts of the body via the lymph channels and blood stream. The further the cancer has spread from its original site, the less likely it is that the disease can be cured.