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).

Types of examinations[edit | edit source]

GIT[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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