Can gastric cancer be detected by gastrin 17 physical examination

Gastrin 17 physical examination cannot directly detect gastric cancer, but it can be used as one of the auxiliary indicators.

Gastrin-17 is a gastrointestinal hormone secreted by G cells in the gastric antrum, and its level changes may be related to lesions such as gastric mucosal atrophy. Gastric cancer screening requires a combination of multiple examination methods. Gastrin-17 detection has the following application characteristics in clinical practice: abnormal elevation of this indicator may indicate gastric antral G cell proliferation or gastrinoma, while decreased levels may be related to gastric mucosal atrophy. Gastric mucosal atrophy belongs to precancerous lesions of gastric cancer, therefore gastrin 17 detection can be used as one of the indirect reference indicators for gastric cancer risk assessment. The actual diagnosis of gastric cancer relies on gastroscopy and pathological biopsy, with tumor markers such as CA72-4 and CEA being more specific. Imaging examinations such as CT or endoscopic ultrasonography can evaluate the depth of tumor infiltration and metastasis. The diagnostic value of single item detection of gastrin 17 for gastric cancer is limited, and it is not used as a diagnostic basis in clinical practice.

It is recommended that high-risk individuals for gastric cancer undergo regular gastroscopy examinations, pay attention to dietary habits in daily life, reduce the intake of pickled and smoked foods, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. If symptoms such as persistent upper abdominal pain, weight loss, and black stool occur, seek medical attention promptly to avoid relying solely on blood test indicators to delay diagnosis.