Endoscopic ultrasound of pancreatic tumors

Computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are the two most effective techniques for the assessment of pancreatic cancers. CT has revolutionized the field of tumor imaging in pancreatic cancer and is now a well-established imaging technique for diagnosis and staging. However, EUS still plays an important role in several situations, especially when the diagnosis is uncertain or when histopathological confirmation of the lesion is needed. Similarly, regarding cystic lesions, magnetic resonance imaging and CT have very good performances but are often inadequate because the diagnosis can be difficult to establish, while the consequences for the patient are major. New biopsy needles, the use of elastography and ultrasonographic contrast agents, and confocal laser endomicroscopy can also provide additional and essential information to improve diagnosis confidence of pancreatic lesions with EUS.