The role of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients with cancer

The last decade has seen considerable advance in the application of fiberoptic endoscopy to the diagnosis and management of patients with cancer. Forward and side-viewing instruments have been developed that have complete tip control, potential for obtaining directed biopsies, brush and lavage cytology, and for aspiration of material for assay of enzymes and tumor-associated antigens. These features have provided a high degree of diagnostic capability in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Accurate histologic diagnoses require multiple biopsies and brush cytology from each lesion. Lavage cytology has been useful in selected patients, especially those with diffusely infiltrating lesions. Brush cytology has been especially helpful in patients with stenotic esophageal cancer. These techniques have also provided a diagnosis in a high percentage of patients with lymphoma involving the stomach. Endoscopy has also been very useful in patients with nongastrointestinal cancer who have major gastrointestinal problems such as bleeding stress ulcers or monilial esophagitis.