by Anna Mortis
There are several methods for obtaining a proper stomach cancer diagnosis. When you first visit the doctor with concern he will most likely check out your family history of stomach cancer and other diseases. He will also give you a thorough physical examination. IF there is a strong possibility of the presence of stomach cancer he will then follow up with one of many tests.
He will probably ask for a fecal blood test. This will test to see if there is any blood in the stool. It may or may not be visible. Sometimes the blood cannot be seen in fecal matter. However, this occult blood test can find even hidden specimens. Stomach cancer may cause small amounts of blood to be passed through the intestines without being noticed. However, blood found in the stool does not yield an immediate stomach cancer diagnosis. It is possible to have small amounts of blood in the stool from consuming meat.
The doctor may then order a GI. This is a specialized x-ray of the upper gastrointestinal tract. You wil be given a drink that contains barium. This is a harmless dye. As it is swallowed it will coat the esophagus and stomach areas with the dye so that they are seen easier during the x-ray. This will help technicians see any areas which appear to be irregular.
Another option to reach a stomach cancer diagnosis is an endoscopy. Basically a small tube with a camera on the end is inserted down the throat. The camera allows for the viewing of the esophagus and stomach. This process can indicate the presence of anything abnormal in the area commonly affected by stomach cancer. The doctor can take a biopsy using the endoscope. This test will inform them whether or not there are cancer cells present.
If stomach cancer is found the doctor may run more tests to find out what stage of development the cancer is in. He will then probably suggest that a second opinion is sought. Then there will be several treatment options made available based on where the cancer is located and how far it has developed.
Reaching a stomach cancer diagnosis is the beginning of the treatment process. If left untreated it will be fatal. However, with proper treatment and early intervention there are several options that can destroy the cancer and prolong life.
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Want to find out more about stomach cancer symptoms, then visit Anna Mortis's site on how to choose the best stomach cancer treatmentfor your needs.
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