Do I need an endoscopy?

Hello. I have had stomach issues for the past 2 years, lots of indigestion, heartburn, mild nausea. I've taken acid reducers before, they do help most of the time. I've also had an ultrasound done on my gall bladder, that came back normal. My doctor has done a physical exam on my stomach 2 times and said he didn't feel any lumps in my stomach. I haven't lost any weight, there is no visible blood in my stool. I am not vomiting. The doctor has assured me on my last 2 visits that everything is benign. We have discussed an endoscopy before, but my doctor didn't feel one was necessary.

I am wondering though if I should get one just to rule out cancer or an ulcer. I am especially worried about cancer because I've had problems for 2 years. However, this also gives me comfort because I've had problems for 2 years and they haven't gotten worse. So I don't know, but I would like an opinion if anybody has one. Thanks.


This discussion is related to Stomach cancer? Very worried.

[mammo]

Your doctor cannot see inside your stomach without doing an endoscopy (which needs to be done by a Gastroenterologist), so I feel he can't be 100% sure of anything.  Has he mentioned GERD (acid reflux)?  This is what it sounds like to me, but you want to make sure you don't have a peptic ulcer which creates a lot of acid.  This would at least give you peace of mind and they will also be able to see if it is acid reflux and medicate you for that. Has your doctor had you do an occult blood test for hidden blood in your stool?  I think it would be best for you to see a Gastroenterologist as this is their specialty.  I wouldn't worry about it being cancer, but you do need to know what is causing it, and a gastro doc can tell you this.  Take care!