Clinical Gastroenterology Journal

Endoscopic Ultrasound: A Crucial Tool in Diagnosing and Managing Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract

Enrique Jose

Pancreatic cancer presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, often diagnosed at advanced stages with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) has emerged as a pivotal technology in the comprehensive management of pancreatic cancer, offering unparalleled capabilities in early detection, precise staging, and targeted therapeutic interventions. This abstract reviews the evolving role of EUS in pancreatic cancer care, emphasizing its diagnostic accuracy through high-resolution imaging and EUS-guided tissue sampling techniques like Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA). EUS facilitates accurate staging by assessing tumor extent, vascular involvement, and lymph node status, crucial for treatment planning and determining surgical resectability. Moreover, EUS-guided therapies, including Fine-Needle Injection (FNI) and Celiac Plexus Neurolysis (CPN), provide minimally invasive options for localized treatment and palliative care, respectively. Technological advancements in EUS, such as contrast-enhanced imaging and elastography, continue to enhance diagnostic precision and therapeutic efficacy.