Chapter 32

Examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract with a flexible fiberoptic endoscope. It is often performed to identify the cause of or to treat bleeding, pain, or swallowing disturbances.

Inspection of body organs or cavities by use of an endoscope.

Visualization of the lower gastrointestinal tract; most often refers to insertion of a flexible endoscope through the anus to inspect the entire colon and terminal ileum.

A molecular marker found on normal fetal cells and in the bloodstream of patients with cancers of the colon, breast, lung, and other organs

A plexus of dilated veins around the umbilicus, seen in patients with portal hypertension (usually as a result of cirrhosis of the liver). It may be seen in newborns.