What diseases can be detected through gastroscopy

Gastroscopy can detect diseases such as esophagitis, chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, gastric polyps, and gastric cancer. Gastroscopy is an important means of diagnosing upper gastrointestinal diseases, which can directly observe the mucosal condition of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

1. Esophagitis:

Esophagitis is an inflammatory response of the esophageal mucosa, with mucosal congestion, edema, erosion, and even ulceration visible under gastroscopy. Reflux esophagitis is a common type, which is related to the stimulation of the esophagus by acid reflux. Patients often experience symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, and pain behind the sternum. Gastroscopy examination can clarify the scope and severity of inflammation, providing a basis for subsequent treatment.

2. Chronic gastritis:

Chronic gastritis is a chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which can be manifested as mucosal erythema, erosion, bleeding points, or atrophy under gastroscopy. This disease is often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term improper diet, or drug stimulation. Patients may experience symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, bloating discomfort, and decreased appetite. Gastroscopy combined with pathological biopsy can distinguish between superficial gastritis and atrophic gastritis.

3. Gastric ulcer:

Gastric ulcer is a defect in the gastric mucosa, which can be seen as a circular or elliptical depression under gastroscopy, with white or yellow coating covering the bottom and surrounding mucosa congested and swollen. This disease is related to excessive gastric acid secretion, Helicobacter pylori infection, or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The typical symptom is postprandial upper abdominal pain, which can lead to bleeding or perforation in severe cases. Gastroscopy can directly confirm the location and staging of ulcers.

4. Gastric polyps:

Gastric polyps are growths that protrude from the surface of the gastric mucosa. Elevated lesions can be seen under gastroscopy, ranging in size from several millimeters to several centimeters. Polyps are divided into proliferative polyps, adenomatous polyps, and other types, with some adenomatous polyps having a risk of cancer. Patients are often asymptomatic in the early stages, and larger polyps may cause bloating or bleeding. Gastroscopy can simultaneously perform polypectomy and send for pathological examination.

5. Gastric cancer:

Gastric cancer is a malignant tumor of the gastric mucosa, which can appear as irregular protrusions, ulcers, or diffuse infiltration under gastroscopy. The mucosal texture is brittle, hard, and prone to bleeding. Early gastric cancer may only present as abnormal mucosal color or slight protrusion, while advanced gastric cancer may show obvious masses or narrowing. Gastroscopy combined with pathological biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing gastric cancer, which can clarify the tumor type and differentiation degree. After gastroscopy, it is recommended to rest appropriately and avoid eating and drinking for two hours. Afterwards, try warm and cool liquid foods such as rice soup and lotus root powder, and avoid rough, spicy, or overly hot foods. Pay attention to regular diet in daily life, eat small meals frequently, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, and reduce the intake of pickled and smoked foods. If any lesions are found during the examination, it is necessary to follow the doctor's advice for regular follow-up or receive corresponding treatment. At the same time, pay attention to observing for abnormal conditions such as black stool and vomiting blood, and seek medical attention in a timely manner.