Diagnostic Services

The first step in treating any type of cancer is accurate diagnosis and staging. Symptoms of upper gastrointestinal cancer may include indigestion, weight loss, nausea, and loss of appetite. After a physical examination your doctor may order screening tests. These include:

Upper GI series: These are X-rays of the esophagus (food tube) and stomach, which is called the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. You drink a barium solution, which outlines the stomach on the X-ray, helping the doctor find tumors or other abnormalities.

Endoscopy and Biopsy:This test examines the esophagus and stomach using a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope, which is passed through the mouth to the stomach. Through the endoscope, the doctor can look directly at the inside of your stomach. If an abnormal area is found, the doctor will remove some tissue to be examined under a microscope (called a biopsy). A biopsy is the only sure way to diagnose cancer. Endoscopy and biopsy are the best methods of identifying stomach cancer.

For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).