Endoscopic Ultrasound
Endoscopic ultrasound, a diagnostic tool to locate, stage and sample hard-to-find tumors of the abdomen, recently became part of the arsenal in the fight against cancer at MCG Health System.
This
technique combines a regular endoscopic exam with a sonogram and tissue-sampling
to seek out tumors or other abnormalities in the esophagus, stomach and colon.
“This relatively new technology locates irregularities in the upper and lower GI
tract, helps stage them, then provides a sample for analysis to help physicians
determine a treatment plan,” said gastroenterologist
Dr. Ayaz Chaudhary.
Physicians can view not only the GI tract, but also surrounding tissues and organs, including lymph nodes. If warranted, a fine needle is inserted under ultrasound guidance to remove a sample for further testing. Endoscopic ultrasound can also be used to diagnose chronic pancreatitis and bile stones, and to apply therapeutic aid to drain non-cancerous pancreatic pseudocysts. The whole procedure lasts 30 to 45 minutes.
“Endoscopic ultrasound provides a detailed view of the GI tract that no other technology can obtain,” said Dr. Chaudhary. “Cancerous cells can hide between the four layers that make up the wall of the GI tract. Only endoscopic ultrasound can penetrate and separate these layers so physicians can diagnose these tiny tumors.”