Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

Which diagnostic test is commonly used for detecting gastric cancer?

1. Barium study

2. Endoscopy

3. CT scan

4. Ultrasound

The correct answer is: Barium study

The most commonly used diagnostic test for detecting gastric cancer is endoscopy. This procedure allows for direct visualization of the stomach lining and enables biopsies to be taken from suspicious areas. Endoscopy is advantageous because it not only helps in identifying abnormal growths or lesions but also provides an opportunity for intervention, like removing polyps or performing a biopsy for further analysis. Barium studies, while helpful in visualizing structural abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract, are less specific and do not provide tissue samples, which are crucial for confirming a diagnosis of gastric cancer. CT scans are useful for staging and assessing the extent of cancer but are not primary diagnostic tools for initial detection. Ultrasound is typically not used as a first-line test for gastric cancer, although it can be employed in certain cases for assessing metastasis or related issues within the abdominal cavity. In summary, endoscopy stands out as the most effective method for both diagnosing and evaluating gastric cancer, making it the preferred choice among the options given.