Can endoscopy find results that a CT scan of the stomach can ?
An endoscopy allows a doctor to look at the lining of the oesophagus, stomach and possibly part of the intestine. That allows them to see changes in colour, changes in texture which would not show on a CT scan. Because the endoscopy uses light it can see smaller structures than a CT scan can visualise – I think a new scanner can show about 0.5mm but I’m not sure. However, the high resolution means higher levels of radiation. The CT scan may allow structures within the walls to be shown which an endoscopy would not see. A big advantage of endoscopy is that small tissue samples can be taken from suspect areas while the tube is in place. These can be examined in detail by a pathologist which can greatly help diagnosis. Another advantage of endoscopy is the lack of radiation. They are really complementary techniques and sometimes they will use both – I had both when I was ill last year.
