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.
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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