A capsule is coupled to a tether that is manipulated to position the
capsule and a scanner included within the capsule at a desired location
within a lumen in a patient's body. Images produced by the scanner can be
used to detect Barrett's Esophagus (BE) and early (asymptomatic)
esophageal cancer after the capsule is swallowed and positioned with the
tether to enable the scanner in the capsule to scan a region of the
esophagus above the stomach to detect a characteristic dark pink color
indicative of BE. The scanner moves in a desired pattern to illuminate a
portion of the inner surface. Light from the inner surface is then
received by detectors in the capsule, or conveyed externally through a
waveguide to external detectors. Electrical signals are applied to
energize an actuator that moves the scanner. The capsule can also be used
for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes in other lumens.