Why is gastroscopy important for cancer screening?

Gastroscopy is a diagnostic method that can visually examine the internal conditions of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. A flexible tube is inserted to view the mucosal condition and detect ulcers, Inflammation, polyps and tumors. Gastric cancer usually originates in the cells lining the stomach, and because early symptoms are not obvious, many patients are often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Therefore, regular gastroscopy is essential for early detection and treatment of gastric cancer.

Gastroscopy methods and procedures

1. Use of gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is mainly used to detect abnormalities in the digestive tract, such as ulcers, inflammation, tumors or other structural changes. For high-risk groups, gastroscopy is an important means of screening for gastric cancer because it allows direct observation of mucosal changes in the stomach and, if necessary, biopsy to determine histopathological characteristics.

2. Gastroscopy procedure

Gastroscopy generally requires patients to fast for several hours before the examination. During the examination, the doctor inserts a flexible tube with a camera (gastroscope) through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Doctors can use a gastroscope to look inside these areas and detect the presence of abnormal tissue, growth, or bleeding. The procedure usually only takes 15-30 minutes and may use local anesthesia or light sedation to reduce discomfort.

3. Gastroscopy and biopsy

During a gastroscopy, if your doctor finds a suspicious lesion (such as an ulcer or mass), they can use tools inside the gastroscope to remove a small sample of tissue for biopsy. A biopsy can help confirm whether the cells have cancerous characteristics, thereby confirming the diagnosis of stomach cancer or stomach precancerous lesions.

Who should consider a gastroscopy?

1. High-risk groups: those with a family history of gastric cancer, long-term gastric diseases (such as gastric ulcer, gastritis), Helicobacter pylori infection, smokers, alcoholics, or older people ( Usually over the age of 50), regular gastroscopy should be considered for early screening and prevention of gastric cancer.

2. Symptom reminder: People who experience symptoms such as persistent stomach pain, indigestion, loss of appetite, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, blood in the stool or vomiting blood should seek medical attention immediately and consider undergoing gastroscopy. , as these may be warning signs of stomach cancer or other stomach conditions.

3. Gastric cancer patients and post-treatment monitoring: Patients diagnosed with gastric cancer or those who have received treatment should undergo regular gastroscopy to monitor disease progression, evaluate treatment effects, and Prevent recurrence.

The benefits of gastroscopy in cancer screening

1. Early detection of gastric cancer: Gastroscopy can detect lesions in the early stages of gastric cancer, allowing for timely treatment. Early detection is often associated with better prognosis, higher survival rates, and more treatment options.

2. Biopsy for diagnosis: Gastroscopy can perform tissue biopsy to diagnose suspicious lesions, thereby determining the nature and extent of the disease.

3. Reduce the risk of disease progression: Regular gastroscopy can help detect gastric mucosal lesions early and reduce the risk of gastric cancer or other gastric diseases progressing to serious stages.

Challenges and Notes

1. Discomfort: A gastroscopy may cause discomfort, such as nausea, belching, or sore throat, but these symptoms are usually temporary.

2. Risks: Although gastroscopy is a safe procedure, there are minor risks, such as bleeding, perforation, or reactions related to anesthesia.

Conclusion

Gastroscopy plays an important role in gastric cancer screening and prevention, especially for high-risk groups or those with pre-existing symptoms. Through gastroscopy, gastric cancer can be detected at an early stage and treated appropriately, thereby increasing survival rates and improving quality of life. If you are at high risk for stomach cancer or are experiencing stomach-related symptoms, talk to your doctor about developing an appropriate check-up plan to ensure a healthy stomach.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment or advice . Always consult your physician or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition or medical problems. The content of this article is not intended to recommend any specific test, treatment, or medication and should not be considered such advice. If you develop symptoms or need medical assistance, please contact a medical professional promptly.