[Chromoscopy in the diagnosis of gastric cancer]

Diverse methods have been introduced in order to increase diagnostic accuracy of early gastric cancer. This article describes endoscopy with the use of dyes or chromoscopy, analizes its mechanisms and indications. There are four different methods of chromoscopy, the contrast method using indigo carmine and evans blue solutions, the staining method with methylene blue and toluidine blue, the reaction method with lugol and congo red and the mixed method. Chromoscopy can be of great help in the diagnosis of early gastric cancer, not only by improving the identification of the lesions but also as it permits more precise biopsies.