How Endoscopy Plays a Crucial Role in Early Detection of Gastric Cancer

“Early detection is the foundation of successful cancer treatment. The sooner we identify changes, the more effective and minimally invasive the treatment can be.”
 — Dr. Prateek Varshney, Surgical Oncologist in Delhi

Gastric cancer, commonly known as stomach cancer, often develops silently. By the time symptoms become noticeable, the disease might already be in an advanced stage. That’s where endoscopy for early detection of gastric cancer becomes invaluable. It allows doctors to directly visualize the stomach lining and detect any abnormal growths long before they turn serious.

Dr. Prateek Varshney, a leading surgical oncologist in Delhi, emphasizes that timely diagnosis through endoscopy can save lives. With his expertise in minimally invasive and robotic cancer surgeries, he highlights the role of technology in transforming how stomach cancers are detected and treated.

Let’s understand the condition first.

Gastric cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the lining of the stomach. It often begins in the inner layer called the mucosa and can spread deeper if not treated early.

There are different types of gastric cancers, including:

• Adenocarcinoma: The most common type, arising from the glandular cells of the stomach.
• Lymphoma: Cancer of the immune tissue within the stomach wall.
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): Rare cancers developing from the stomach’s connective tissue.
• Carcinoid tumors: Slow-growing cancers that originate in hormone-producing cells.

While the exact cause isn’t always clear, several risk factors increase the likelihood of gastric cancer, such as:

• Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection
• Smoking
• High salt and preserved food intake
• Family history of stomach cancer
• Previous stomach surgery or chronic gastritis

Recognizing these risk factors and opting for endoscopy for stomach problems can significantly improve chances of early detection and successful treatment.

Why does early diagnosis matter so much?

Gastric cancer tends to progress quietly. Many patients experience mild indigestion, bloating, or nausea and mistake them for routine gastric issues. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms become severe, the cancer might have already spread.

Early detection changes this entirely. When identified at an initial stage:

• Treatment is more effective.
• Surgery can often be minimally invasive.
• Recovery rates and survival chances improve dramatically.

Dr. Prateek Varshney explains that in many countries, regular endoscopy for gastric cancer has reduced mortality rates significantly. The same approach can be applied to high-risk individuals here—especially those with a family history or persistent gastric symptoms.

Regular endoscopic screening can detect even small, precancerous changes in the stomach lining—long before they develop into cancer.

Let’s find out what happens during an endoscopy

An upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, also called gastroscopy, involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a small camera (endoscope) through the mouth into the stomach. This allows doctors to view the entire stomach lining in real-time.

1. Direct visualization: The doctor can examine the stomach lining for ulcers, abnormal growths, or suspicious lesions.
2. Tissue biopsy: If any irregular area is spotted, a small tissue sample is taken for biopsy to confirm whether it’s cancerous or not.
3. High-resolution imaging: Advanced endoscopic systems provide magnified and high-definition views, improving diagnostic precision.
4. Early detection of pre-cancerous lesions: Changes such as intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia—both early warning signs of cancer—can be identified early.

Modern endoscopic techniques, including chromoendoscopy and narrow-band imaging, further enhance visualization and accuracy, helping detect even subtle abnormalities.

Here’s why endoscopy stands out among diagnostic tools.

1. Early and accurate detection:
   Endoscopy allows direct observation of the stomach lining, making it far more precise than imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds.
2. Minimally invasive procedure:
   The test is performed using a thin tube without any surgical incision. Most patients recover within a few hours.
3. Helps guide treatment planning:
   The biopsy results help determine the exact stage and type of cancer, which guides the surgical or medical approach.
4. Detection of other gastric issues:
   Apart from cancer, endoscopy can detect ulcers, inflammation, polyps, and infections—helping doctors manage various stomach problems early.
5. Improved survival rates:
   Studies show that detecting gastric cancer in its early stage significantly improves survival and long-term outcomes.
6. Safe and well-tolerated:
   The procedure is safe, with minimal risks. Patients are usually sedated, ensuring comfort throughout.

Endoscopy has revolutionized the way gastric cancer is diagnosed. It’s not only a diagnostic tool but also a gateway to early intervention—making treatments less invasive and more effective.

Gastric cancer may be silent, but its warning signs can be detected early with the right approach. Endoscopy for early detection of gastric cancer gives doctors a clear view of what’s happening inside the stomach—making it possible to diagnose and treat the disease at its most manageable stage.

As Dr. Prateek Varshney often says, “Awareness, timely screening, and expert intervention are the strongest tools we have against gastric cancer.”

Reference

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3959505/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stomach-gastric-cancer/how-endoscopy-detects-stomach-cancer