title: How many endoscopic biopsy specimens?
abstract: In cases in which the endoscopist considers it necessary to attempt to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of carcinoma of the stomach or oesophagus by biopsy and histopathological examination, we find that a minimum of four fragments should be taken. Taking more than eight biopsy specimens appears to do little more than prolong the time taken for a highly skilled team to complete the operation.
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001706:Biopsy; D004724:Endoscopy; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*