How is gastric cancer detected?VienaMed
Digestive symptoms worth investigating
Requests a consultation if digestive symptoms persist, worsen or change from what you were used to.
pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen;
Sensation of satiety occurs very quickly;
nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing;
loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss.
Blood spills or black stools as fuel oil require urgent medical evaluation, especially if dizziness, weakness or fainting occur. In an emergency, seek local help without waiting for an appointment abroad.
What's the role of the analysis?
The doctor talks about symptoms, personal and family history and treatments followed. Blood tests may show, for example, an anaemia that requires investigation.
The diagnosis of gastric cancer is not determined by blood tests alone. The specialist shall decide which examinations are necessary to clarify the situation.
Gastroscopy and biopsy
Gastroscopy is one of the main investigations used when there is a suspicion of gastric cancer. The doctor examines the interior of the stomach with a flexible tube, fitted with a video camera, inserted through the mouth.
If you observe suspicious areas, you can take small tissue fragments for biopsy. They are analyzed in the laboratory to check the presence of cancer cells. The recommendation of a biopsy is not, in itself, the confirmation of a cancer.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, may follow further examinations such as CT, echoendoscopy or, in some cases, laparoscopy. These help in assessing disease enlargement and treatment planning. Investigations are chosen individually.
Also read how to conduct a gastroscopy and Helicobacter pylori and the risk of gastric cancer.
Send documents to VienaMed
If you have already conducted analyses or investigations, you can transmit the documents to VienaMed, to be submitted to a specialist for evaluation of the dossier.
Analysis results, gastroscopy report, biopsy results, medical letters and available imaging examinations are useful.
Following the examination of the documents, the specialist shall determine whether the information is sufficient for an opinion or whether further consultation and investigation is necessary.
You can come to Vienna in person
By VienaMed You can arrange an in-person visit to Vienna for consultations and investigations at specialists and clinics. The team supports you with booking appointments and preparing documents, and the doctor determines the appropriate investigations of your case.
Would you like a second opinion?
You can contact VienaMed and if you’ve already received a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation and you want a second medical opinion.
The assessment may be based on existing documents and personal presentation shall be organised according to the case and the requirements of the specialist.
Contact the VienaMed team for analysis, information about investigations in Vienna or organisation of a second medical opinion.