Answer:
In conventional endoscopy, the gastroenterologist can only view the innermost lining
of the digestive tract. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allows a doctor to look at more
than the inner layers of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver and gallbladder.
The video camera on the flexible EUS scope allows a doctor to look at the different
layers of the gastrointestinal tract and diagnose different conditions that may be
missed with conventional endoscopy.
It also helps in determine the size and location of a tumor and whether it has spread to lymph nodes, blood vessels or other structures. This provides information on the cancer's stage, which relates to your prognosis. For example, a growth or mass detected on one of your internal organs can be further evaluated under EUS - without making an incision - to help doctors better understand its nature and prescribe the best treatment option for you. A thin needle - that does not cause pain - can be passed through the endoscope into the tumor to obtain tissue samples. This type of biopsy is called fine-needle aspiration. Cells obtained from the biopsy are examined with a microscope to see if they are cancerous.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) provides a much wider view and includes details not seen with a CT or MRI scan. EUS is also much safer than a CT scan, which uses radiation.
It also helps in determine the size and location of a tumor and whether it has spread to lymph nodes, blood vessels or other structures. This provides information on the cancer's stage, which relates to your prognosis. For example, a growth or mass detected on one of your internal organs can be further evaluated under EUS - without making an incision - to help doctors better understand its nature and prescribe the best treatment option for you. A thin needle - that does not cause pain - can be passed through the endoscope into the tumor to obtain tissue samples. This type of biopsy is called fine-needle aspiration. Cells obtained from the biopsy are examined with a microscope to see if they are cancerous.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) provides a much wider view and includes details not seen with a CT or MRI scan. EUS is also much safer than a CT scan, which uses radiation.