Abstract
Ultrasonography (US) is quite sensitive in detecting changes in the gallbladder. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) makes it possible to visualize detailed morphological features of gallbladder lesions as well as the layer structure of the gallbladder wall itself, and, therefore, the depth of cancer invasion can be diagnosed based on the correlation of the tumor echo and the condition of the layer structure of the adjacent wall. Recently, several reports have been published on US diagnosis of the depth of cancer invasion based on the findings of hemodynamics in the tumor using Doppler assessment and/or such imaging with administration of contrast, which may be a promising imaging technique in EUS as well and may enable more precise diagnosis of the depth of invasion in gallbladder cancer.
