Abstract
Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) enhances visualization of microcirculatory and micromucosal structures for a more detailed assessment of gastrointestinal cancer. The updated Japan esophageal society classification is simple and useful for diagnosing esophageal squamous cell cancer and the depth of invasion. In ME-NBI of gastric tumors, an irregular microvascular pattern and the presence of a demarcation line are characteristic signs of early gastric cancer. A relatively regular “fine network pattern” or an abundant microvessel “mesh pattern” is more likely observed in well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Tortuous microvessels and a low-density microvessel “corkscrew pattern” are more likely observed in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. In ME-NBI of colonic tumors, the vague microvascular pattern is often observed in hyperplastic polyps. The regular meshed microvascular pattern is most frequently observed in adenomas. The irregular meshed microvascular pattern is often observed in intramucosal or relatively shallow submucosal invasive carcinomas. The irregular and loose microvascular pattern is often observed in deeply invasive submucosal carcinomas.
