Endoscopic Ultrasound

About This Procedure

• Anal cancer
• Bile duct cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Lung cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Stomach cancer

Endoscopic ultrasound provides a real-time view of your upper and lower digestive and respiratory tracts so physicians can:

• Stage cancer (evaluate the location and extent of cancer cells)
• Check tumors of the upper gastrointestinal tract
• Locate gall stone disease
• Take biopsies (small tissue or cell samples) without surgery
• Destroy certain pancreatic cysts and prevent cancer growth

How does an endoscopic ultrasound work?

Your physician uses a scope attached to a probe to do this procedure. The device takes pictures in areas that regular ultrasound can't reach. Your physician can also get samples (biopsies) of the area using a needle that passes through the scope.

Endoscopic ultrasound does not require any incisions. You can go home the same day as your procedure.

Your results help determine the next steps in your care. Your physician may recommend endoscopic ultrasound if you've already undergone an endoscopy, colonoscopy or ultrasound.

Benefits of Endoscopic Ultrasound

Endoscopic ultrasound:

• Is a brief outpatient procedure
• Is less invasive than other diagnostic options
• Adds more detailed imaging to structures being examined compared to a CT scan
• Is one of the best available tool for diagnosing gastrointestinal cancers