Conclusion

EUS provides an important link between the TNM staging method and multimodal selective treatment concepts. EUS is capable of providing unsurpassed GI disease characterization and TNM tumor staging. EUS is also unsurpassed in determining resectability of GI neoplasms. EUS accuracy will continue to increase with the evolution of EUS image interpretation, as well as equipment improvements. The TNM system was created to determine prognosis and evaluate results of various therapies for tumors. The accurate TNM staging provided by EUS will allow further advances in treatment to be applied selectively. Clinical outcome of patients with GI tumors will thus improve.

The author thanks Laurel Kiefer for editorial and graphic assistance.

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