What is a common reason for performing a biopsy during flexible endoscopy?

Performing a biopsy during flexible endoscopy is primarily aimed at evaluating the presence of abnormal cells. This is crucial in identifying conditions such as cancer or pre-cancerous changes in tissues that may not be visible on imaging studies or during the examination alone. The biopsy allows for a direct examination of tissue samples under a microscope, providing definitive information about cellular characteristics and helping guide the diagnosis and subsequent treatment options.

Assessing anatomical malformations, counting red blood cells, or checking vitamin levels, while they may be relevant to a patient’s overall health, do not typically necessitate a biopsy. Instead, those evaluations are approached through different diagnostic methods such as imaging studies or blood tests rather than the tissue sampling obtained through a biopsy during endoscopy.