Direct nodal sampling by echoendoscopy in lung cancer: the clinician’s expectations

Abstract

Abstract Background Mediastinal lymph node staging for lung cancer remains one of the most important factors to determine patient outcome. Methods Noninvasive imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, PET and PET-CT provide some answers but no tissue diagnosis. Results The development of endo-oesophageal (EUS) and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) with fine-needle aspiration has provided the clinician with a tool to investigate the mediastinum and the adrenal gland with a safe, minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis. Conclusion The aim of this article was to give radiologists an overview of the techniques of EUS and EBUS and their role in the staging of lung cancer patients.