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Upper GI Endoscopy
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is an examination that can directly examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum from the inside by inserting a soft scope with a diameter of about a centimeter from the mouth. A bright light is shone from the tip of the endoscope to clearly observe the inside of the gastrointestinal tract and to examine whether there is a lesion.
In some cases, a test called a biopsy is performed in which the part of the mucosal surface is collected to observe cells microscopically. In a biopsy, small tissue pieces are collected without pain by an endoscope. In addition, chromoendoscopy is actively performed, in which dye is sprayed and observed, for men aged 50 years or older who have smoking and drinking habits or whose faces turn red after drinking, because they have a high risk of esophageal cancer.
In the Cancer Screening Center, skillful endoscopists perform endoscopy. Examinees can also use sedatives, if they wish. Thirty percent of gastric cancers that have so far been detected in our center are gastric microcarcinomas measuring 5 mm or less in diameter. If cancers are detected early, they can be cured without surgery.
Lung Cancer Screening: Lung Helical CT and Sputum Cytology
Our center performs lung cancer screening using helical CT and sputum cytology.
Although ordinary chest radiographs can detect lung cancer measuring at least approximately 2 cm in diameter, helical CT can detect smaller cancers measuring a few millimeters in diameter at earlier stages.
Smokers also develop cancer in the mucosa of thick bronchi. This cancer cannot be detected as an abnormality on chest radiograph or CT during early stages, but cancer cells can be detected in the sputum cytology.
Even lung cancer can be cured, if detected and treated at such early stages.
Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography is an examination to assess the condition of organs in the abdomen. This examination is indispensable for early detection of intractable cancers, such as liver, biliary tract, and pancreatic cancers.
Physiological Tests
Electrocardiography, ophthalmoscopy, tonometry, and audiometry are performed to examine for heart disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, hypertension, fundal hemorrhage, and retinal changes.
Stool Examination
Stools are examined for blood to diagnosis colorectal cancer.
Blood Tests
The followings are examined in collected blood.
- Biochemistry: numeric values related to liver function, renal function, pancreatic function, lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism are measured.
- Tumor markers: numeric values useful for cancer diagnosis, such as CEA (for gastrointestinal cancer), AFP (for liver cancer), CA19-9 (for pancreatic and biliary tract cancers and other gastrointestinal cancers), PSA (for prostate cancer, only for men), and CA125 (ovarian and uterine cancers, for women), are measured.
Consultation
Physicians perform an internal medical examination while checking answers to a medical questionnaire. When a physician asks you about your physical condition, please tell him/her about subjective symptoms, if any.
Optional Tests
PET-CT
Compared with normal cells, cancer cells consume more glucose, which is an energy source for their proliferation. PET-CT is a test in which, by using this characteristic of cancer cells, radioactive FDG (a drug similar to glucose) is injected into the body and emitted radiation is captured and visualized by a special camera. If there is cancer anywhere in the body, FDG accumulation in the lesion will be found on images. A single PET-CT examination can detect tumors smaller than 1 cm in diameter and small lymph node metastases, which have been difficult to detect by conventional diagnostic devices. It can also differentiate between benign and malignant tumors (however, endoscopy is most effective in the early diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers, such as esophageal, gastric, duodenal, and colorectal cancers).
Examinees feel almost no pain or discomfort except at the time of drug injection and PET-CT has almost no adverse effects. The examination takes approximately 3 hours.
*Those weighing (approximately) 100 kg or more cannot undergo PET-CT. If you weigh over 100 kg and wish to undergo PET-CT, please directly contact us for consultation.
Abdominal CT
The uterus, ovary, bladder, prostate, liver, kidney, pancreas, and gallbladder, are examined in detail.
Thyroid Ultrasonography
Thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases are examined by checking the size of the thyroid gland and presence or absence of lumps.
Bone Mineral Density Measurement
Bone strength is measured to examine the risk of osteoporosis and fracture.
Breast Cancer Screening
Mammography and ultrasonography are performed. In mammography, radiography is performed to check for breast lumps and calcifications. Ultrasonography checks the presence and nature of small lumps measuring a few millimeters in diameter.
Uterine and Ovarian Cancer Screening
Ultrasonography, human papillomavirus (HPV) test, and cytology, in which uterine and ovarian cells are collected for diagnosis, are performed. Female physicians perform these examinations, and examinees can undergo the examinations without anxiety.
Notification of the Screening Results
- The screening results are provided in Japanese or English. Japanese-version of the report can be obtained within 3 weeks of the screening. English-version is provided one month or more after the screening with the additional charge, because the examination results have to be translated in English.
- If there is a suspicion of cancer, we will refer you to the Cancer Institute Hospital for detailed examination and treatment.
- If the screening revealed a chronic disease or lifestyle-related disease, we will refer you to a hospital close to your home (a referral letter will be provided) for detailed examination.
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