Endoscopies

Endoscopy is a medical procedure where a doctor puts a tube-like instrument (endoscope) into the body of the patient, to look inside. There are many types of endoscopies, each designed for looking at a certain part of the body.

Depending on the area of the body being looked at, the endoscope may be put in the mouth, anus, or urethra. In some cases, it’s put in through a small incision (cut) made in the skin.

Endoscopies are a common procedure to expect when you come for a cancer check. Some of the many reasons are listed below:

• To prevent and screen for cancer
• To find or detect cancer early
• Looking for causes of symptoms of cancer. For instance:
• Laryngoscopy to look at the vocal cords in people with long-term hoarseness
• Upper endoscopy in people having trouble swallowing
• Colonoscopy in people with anaemia with an unknown cause
• Colonoscopy in people with blood in their stool
• Looking at problems found on imaging tests

Imaging tests such as x-rays and CT scans can sometimes show physical changes within the body. But these tests may only give information about the size, shape, and location of the problem. Doctors can use endoscopy to see more details, like colour and surface texture, when trying detect stage and type of cancer