| Theme | Diagnosis of Biliary Tract Cancer -- Present Status and Perspective | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Diagnosis of Biliary Tract Cancer Using EUS and IDUS | |
| Publish Date | 2003/07 | |
| Author | Masateru Murakami | Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biochemical Research, Graduate School of Biochemical Sciences, Hiroshima University |
| Author | Tamito Sasaki | Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biochemical Research, Graduate School of Biochemical Sciences, Hiroshima University |
| Author | Kenichi Kuwahara | Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biochemical Research, Graduate School of Biochemical Sciences, Hiroshima University |
| Author | Hideki Miyata | Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biochemical Research, Graduate School of Biochemical Sciences, Hiroshima University |
| Author | Masahiro Serikawa | Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biochemical Research, Graduate School of Biochemical Sciences, Hiroshima University |
| Author | Kazuaki Chayama | Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biochemical Research, Graduate School of Biochemical Sciences, Hiroshima University |
| [ Summary ] | Conventional ultrasonography is an initially valuable diagnostic procedure for biliary tract disorders, especially for biliary cancer. However, a differential diagnosis between cancer and non-cancerous diseases is sometimes difficult. In those cases, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) provide more useful image information in confirming the diagnosis of biliary cancer. Early gallbladder cancer is classified into two types, the polypoid type and the flat type, based on morphologic features. Detailed images from EUS identify qualitative differences in polypoid gallbladder tumors, such as surface shape and internal structure. In addition, EUS clearly demonstrates the triple-layer structure of the gallbladder. The loss of those patterns in the thickened gallbladder wall is important for the preoperative diagnosis of gallbladder cancer. Bile duct cancer exhibits longitudinal spreading along the bile duct and accurate assessment of the tumorous region is essential for adequate decisions, regarding therapeutic strategies. IDUS, with a thin-caliber, high-frequency probe, may be inserted into the bile duct through the use of an endoscope or an external biliary drainage route, and has been highly-evaluated for diagnosis of biliary tract malignancy. The distinction between benign and malignant bile duct wall thickening and the assessment of longitudinal cancer extension along the bile duct are promising aspects of IDUS. Moreover, the loss of the boundary between adjacent organs is absolutely necessary for preoperative staging in bile duct cancer, in respect to invasion of the right hepatic artery, portal vein, or pancrea. This article makes specific mention of the efficacy and problems of both types of inspection. |
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