![]() ![]() Often the IHC test is used first, which gives results on a scale from 0 to 3+. The biopsy sample is usually tested for HER2 using either immunohistochemistry (IHC) or fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). These cancers can be treated with drugs that target the HER2 protein. Cancers with increased levels of HER2 are called HER2-positive. HER2 testing: The cancer cells may be tested to see if they have too much of a growth-promoting protein called HER2. ![]() If stomach cancer is found, more lab tests may be done on the biopsy samples to learn more about the cancer cells. This might affect how the cancer is treated. The samples are checked to see if they contain cancer, and if they do, what kind it is (for example, intestinal or diffuse adenocarcinoma, carcinoid tumor, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, or lymphoma). Testing biopsy samplesīiopsy samples are sent to a lab to be looked at under a microscope. If the doctor suspects cancer might be deeper in the stomach wall, endoscopic ultrasound (described below) can be used to guide a thin, hollow needle into the wall of the stomach to get a biopsy sample.īiopsies may also be taken from areas of possible cancer spread, such as nearby lymph nodes or suspicious areas in other parts of the body. Some stomach cancers can start deep within the stomach wall, which can make them hard to biopsy with standard endoscopy. If the doctor sees any abnormal areas in the stomach lining during the endoscopy, instruments can be passed down the endoscope to biopsy them. During a biopsy, the doctor removes small pieces (samples) of the abnormal area.īiopsies to check for stomach cancer are most often done during an upper endoscopy. Your doctor may suspect cancer if an abnormal-looking area is seen on endoscopy or an imaging test, but the only way to tell for sure if it's cancer is by doing a biopsy. You will most likely be given medicine to make you sleepy (sedation) before the endoscopy. It can also be used to help prevent or relieve symptoms or other complications from stomach cancer, without the need for more extensive surgery. In some situations, endoscopy can be used to help remove very early stage cancers. Unfortunately, some types of stomach cancers can be hard to see during an endoscopy.Įndoscopy can also be used as part of a special imaging test known as endoscopic ultrasound, which is described below. The tissue samples are sent to a lab, where they are looked at with a microscope to see if they contain cancer. If abnormal areas are seen, biopsy samples can be removed using instruments passed through the endoscope. This lets the doctor see the inner lining of your esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine. Upper endoscopy (also called esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD) is the test most often done if the doctor thinks you might have stomach cancer.ĭuring this test, the doctor passes an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible, lighted tube with a small video camera on the end, down your throat. If your doctor thinks you might have stomach cancer or another type of stomach problem, they will likely refer you to a gastroenterologist (a doctor who treats diseases of the digestive tract), who will examine you and might do further testing. A test might also be done to look for blood in your stool (feces) that can't be seen by the naked eye, which could also be a sign of bleeding in the stomach. The doctor might order a blood test to look for anemia (a low red blood cell count), which could be caused by the cancer bleeding into the stomach. In particular, the doctor will feel your belly for anything abnormal. The physical exam can give your doctor information about possible signs of stomach cancer or other health problems. When taking your medical history, the doctor will ask about your symptoms (such as eating problems, pain, bloating, etc.) and possible risk factors to see if they might suggest stomach cancer or another cause. Medical history, physical exam, and tests to look for bleeding If cancer is found, other tests might then be needed to learn more about it. If stomach cancer is suspected, exams and tests will be needed to find out for sure. Stomach cancer (also known as gastric cancer) is usually found when a person goes to the doctor because of signs or symptoms they are having. ![]()
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