The use of Endoscopy in Oncology

Endoscopic examinations are extremely important for the diagnosis of tumors growing in hollow organs and body cavities. In addition to the diagnostic effect, endoscopic examinations can also have a therapeutic or palliative effect. We mainly use flexible endoscopes, less often rigid endoscopes (rectum, abdominal cavity).

GIT
The gastrointestinal tract can be inspected in its entirety.


 * esophagoscopy, gastroscopy, colonoscopy
 * rectal endosonography
 * ERCP
 * laparoscopy (the surface of the liver, gallbladder, peritoneum, ovaries, uterus can be inspected)

Bronchopulmonary area
Bronchoscopy and / or BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage) is mainly used to diagnose opportunistic infections, but tumor cells can also be identified.


 * mediastinoscopy (we will examine the upper mediastinum only after tracheal bifurcation; it is indicated to assess the operability of lung cancer and to biopsy the paratracheal nodes)
 * thoracoscopy (examination of the pleural cavity)

Urinary tract

 * cystoscopy or fluorescent cystoscopy (photosensitization by protoporphyrin - the cells then glow, the tumor cells glow up to 17 times more than healthy cells; it also differentiates mucosal dysplasia)

Gynecological area

 * colposcopy (reveals changes in the cervix; vinegar test, cytology)
 * hysteroscopy

Related articles

 * Endoscopy
 * Endoscope
 * Gastroscopy
 * Colonoscopy
 * Bronchoscopy