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Stomach cancer can be difficult to recognize as the initial symptoms are similar to those of less serious conditions. For this reason, stomach cancer is often only diagnosed once it has already reached an advanced stage.
An outline of the steps taken to diagnose stomach cancer are given below:
Endoscopy – Here, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and a light source at its tip is passed down the esophagus and into the stomach so the inside of the stomach can be checked for evidence of cancer. If a lesion is spotted, a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken using an instrument attached to the tip of the endoscope.
Biopsy – The sample obtained from the lesion is observed under a microscope to check for cancer cells. As well as determining whether cancer is present, biopsy can reveal the type of cancer which may be adenocarcinoma (the most common cancer), carcinoid, gastrointestinal stromal tumor or lymphoma.
Stomach cancer can be divided into stages using the following numerical system:
a) The cancer is confined to the stomach lining but has spread to three to six lymph nodes.
b) The cancer has invaded surrounding muscle as well as one or two lymph nodes.
c) The cancer has spread to the outer layer of the stomach but no lymph nodes are affected.
a) The cancer is contained inside the lining but has spread to seven or more lymph nodes.
b) The cancer has spread to the muscles and has affected three to six lymph nodes.
c) The cancer has spread to the outer layer as well as one or two lymph nodes.
d) The cancer has spread outside the stomach but no lymph nodes are affected.
a) The cancer has spread into surrounding muscles and involves seven or more lymph nodes.
b) The cancer has spread into the outer layer of the stomach and three to six lymph nodes are affected.
c) The cancer has spread outside of the stomach and to one or two lymph nodes.
a) The cancer has spread into the outer layer of the stomach and seven or more lymph nodes.
b) The cancer has spread outside of the stomach and to three to six lymph nodes.
c) The cancer has spread beyond the outside of the stomach into surrounding tissue and also involves up to two lymph nodes.