Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi   

EUS aids early detection of cancer

TIRUCHI: Early detection and extent of malignancy of pancreatic, oesophageal and rectal cancer can be determined through detailed images of digestive tract obtained by endoscopic ultrasound procedure (EUS).

The procedure that combines endoscopy with ultrasonography to obtain clear images of internal organs can establish whether cancer has spread to adjacent lymph nodes or major blood vessels, said R.Ravi, Consultant interventional gastroenterologist, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, speaking on significance of EUS here on Sunday.

In the procedure touted as the only investigation that shows the gastrointestinal wall as layered structure, a small ultrasound machine attached to the tip of the endoscope is inserted through the mouth or anus to examine intestinal walls, upper or lower gastrointestinal tract.

Investigations can also be carried into organs like the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum rectum, gallbladder and pancreas. Abnormalities in various organs noted on CT scans, conventional ultrasonography, endoscopy or X-ray can be further evaluated through EUS.

While examination of upper gastrointestinal tract would take between 30 to 45 minutes and is done under intravenous sedation, investigations performed into the lower tract are done in less than 30 minutes, depending on the longevity of assessment and distance into the colon, he said.

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