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When you search "What disease can be detected by an endoscopy," the answer lies in one of the most important diagnostic tools in gastroenterology—upper endoscopy, also known as EGD. This minimally invasive procedure provides a window into your upper digestive tract, revealing a wide spectrum of conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
What Is an Upper Endoscopy (EGD)?
An upper endoscopy or EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) involves a flexible tube equipped with a camera and light, inserted via the mouth to visually examine, capture images of, and sometimes take tissue samples (biopsies) from the upper digestive tract—namely the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
Doctors recommend this test for symptoms like persistent heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, trouble swallowing, gastrointestinal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss
What Disease Can Be Detected by an Endoscopy?
Here’s a curated breakdown of conditions that an What disease can be detected by an endoscopy can identify:
1. Acid-Related Disorders
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GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) and esophagitis, which EGD detects by visualizing esophageal irritation and inflammation
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Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition often caused by chronic acid reflux, diagnosed via endoscopic visuals and biopsy
2. Ulcers
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Peptic ulcers, including gastric, duodenal, or esophageal, visible during endoscopy and confirmable by biopsy
3. Infections & Autoimmune Disorders
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H. pylori infection, a common bacterial cause of ulcers, identifiable through biopsy samples
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Celiac disease, diagnosed through biopsies of the small intestine lining (duodenum)
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Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), detected via characteristic endoscopic patterns and confirmed by biopsy showing elevated eosinophils
4. Structural & Obstructive Issues
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Esophageal strictures and narrowing/blockages, which EGD can visualize and even dilate during the procedure
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Hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach pushes into the chest through the diaphragm
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Foreign bodies lodged in the esophagus can be located and removed safe via EGD
5. Vascular & Bleeding Conditions
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Esophageal or gastric varices, enlarged veins often due to liver disease, which can bleed dangerously and be detected—and sometimes treated—during EGD
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Sources of upper GI bleeding, such as ulcers or erosions, are identified and occasionally treated during the procedure
6. Cancers & Tumors
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Esophageal and stomach (gastric) cancers, including lymphomas—EGD allows visual detection and biopsy confirmation
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Submucosal tumors, which can be benign or malignant, detectable beneath the GI lining via endoscopy
7. Pancreatic and Liver-Related Conditions
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Pancreatitis and pancreatic lesions, often evaluated using an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to visualize structures like gallstones, cysts, or tumors .
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Liver disease, including cirrhosis, structural lesions, or cancer, can also be evaluated using EUS or biopsy-guided techniques
8. Other Diagnosable Conditions
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Crohn’s disease involving the upper GI tract, especially in the duodenum, which may reveal granulomas via biopsy
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Hiatal hernia and post-surgical complications are also among the conditions EGD can detect
Why These Diagnoses Matter
Early detection via EGD not only provides clarity on symptoms like pain, bleeding, or swallowing issues but can also prevent serious complications. Detecting precancerous changes like Barrett’s esophagus, infections like H. pylori, or structural issues early can significantly improve outcomes.
Moreover, the ability to biopsy, treat bleeding, dilate strictures, and remove suspicious lesions during the same procedure makes EGD a highly effective and versatile tool

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