Overview
A flexible fiberoptic tube is passed through the mouth and down the esophagus until it enters the stomach. The tube allows the health care provider to see the various parts and take a biopsy (sample). The sample is taken to the laboratory to be examined. The procedure is used to determine the cause of bleeding, and to diagnose tumors, ulcers, inflammatory disease, and structural abnormalities of the stomach.
Review Date 10/13/2023
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.