A typical endoscopy lasts for about 15 minutes. Since you’re under anesthesia, ask someone to accompany you home. Finally, keep in mind that an endoscopy may lead to some side effects such as sore throat and bloating.
Endoscopic ultrasound
In case your doctor suspects cancer in the upper part of your stomach, he may order an endoscopic ultrasound.
This procedure can be done simultaneously with an endoscopy. In an endoscopic ultrasound, the doctor attaches an ultrasound probe at the end of the endoscope. The probe releases sound waves that bounce when it comes in contact with something solid, such as an organ or a tumor.
Doctors use the images to determine if cancer has spread to the liver, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, and other body parts.
Other Imaging Tests
Besides endoscopy, biopsy, and ultrasound, the doctor may also order the following imaging tests:
- CT scan – A CT or computerized tomography scan takes pictures of the stomach and combines them to form 3D images that can show abnormalities such as tumors.
- PET scan – PET or positron-emission tomography scan is usually ordered along with a CT scan. In this procedure, the doctor injects a radioactive medicine into your vein. The idea is if you have tumors in your body, the tumor cells will take up more of the sugar substance, and the doctors will be better able to visualize them since the PET scanner detects the substance well.
- MRI scan – Unlike CT and PET scans, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses magnetic fields to form images of the stomach. The doctor can then use the pictures to have a detailed view of a tumor.
Please note that in most cases, you don’t need to have all these imaging tests. The best way to diagnose stomach cancer is through a biopsy, so your doctor will most likely choose endoscopy with biopsy.
Still, the physician’s choice of a screening test depends on several factors, including:
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