Tests and scans
An endoscopy is a test that looks inside the body. The endoscope is a long, flexible or rigid tube that has a tiny camera and light on the end of it.
A doctor or specialist nurse, called an endoscopist does the test. There are many types of endoscopes. The endoscopist uses these to look inside different parts of the body.
The endoscopist can use the camera to take photographs or videos of the areas they are looking at. They can also pass fine surgical instruments through the endoscopes.
The name of the test you have will depend on which part of the body the endoscopist is looking at.
You might have an endoscopy to help find out what is causing your symptoms. During this test the endoscopist can also take a sample ( ) of any abnormal looking tissue through the endoscope.
Sometimes you might have an endoscopy for treatment. For example, to control bleeding or to put in a .
You are most likely to have an endoscopy to look at the inside of your:
food pipe (oesophagus)
stomach
duodenum, which is the first part of the small bowel that attaches to the stomach.
This test is called a gastroscopy or oesophago gastric duodenoscopy (OGD).
You may have this test if you have symptoms such as:
abnormal bleeding
indigestion
low levels of iron (iron deficiency anaemia)
difficulty swallowing
If you have you'll have regular gastroscopies to check for any changes to cells in the lining of your food pipe. The endoscopist looks down the endoscope to see if there are any abnormal looking areas. If any are found they can take biopsies through the endoscope.
Find out more about having a gastroscopy
Other types of endoscopy include:
bronchoscopy to look inside your windpipe (trachea) and bronchi (tubes going into the lungs)
cystoscopy to look inside your bladder
hysteroscopy to look inside your womb
colonoscopy to look inside your large bowel
flexible sigmoidoscopy to look inside the lower part of your large bowel
You can read about these and other cancer tests from our A - Z list
We have more information on tests, treatment and support if you have been diagnosed with cancer.
Last reviewed: 10 Oct 2025
Next review due: 10 Oct 2028
Find out about tests to diagnose cancer and monitor it during and after treatment, including what each test can show, how you have it and how to prepare.
A colonoscopy is a test to look inside your large bowel. You have information on how to prepare, including when to stop eating and drinking beforehand.
A cystoscopy is a test to look at the inside of your bladder and the tube that carries urine from your bladder to the outside of your body (urethra). Find out how you have it and what happens afterwards.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a test to look inside the lower part of your large bowel.
A bronchoscopy is a test to look at the inside of the breathing tubes (airways) in your lungs.
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