Can a Gastroscopy Detect Esophageal and Stomach Cancer?

A gastroscopy is an effective and essential diagnostic tool for detecting both esophageal and stomach cancer. During the procedure, a flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth and into the throat, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This allows doctors to closely examine the inner lining of these organs. In cases where cancerous growths are more typical—such as when ulcers appear with a cauliflower-like surface—gastroscopy can often lead to an immediate visual diagnosis.

However, not all abnormalities are clear-cut. When cancer signs are not obvious, a biopsy is usually required for a definitive diagnosis. One of the major advantages of gastroscopy is that it allows for both visual examination and the collection of tissue samples. These samples are then analyzed pathologically, which remains the gold standard for confirming cancer.

For both esophageal and stomach cancers, early diagnosis is crucial. If cancer is detected at an early stage, minimally invasive treatments such as endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) may be used to remove the tumor completely. For more advanced cases, surgical intervention is often necessary. Modern techniques include laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, such as with the da Vinci Surgical System, which can offer improved precision and recovery times.

In some situations, even if the gastroscopy suggests cancer, the initial biopsy results may be inconclusive. In such cases, doctors often recommend repeating the biopsy during a follow-up endoscopy to ensure an accurate diagnosis. This step is vital in determining the most appropriate treatment plan and improving patient outcomes.