IMAGE OF THE WEEK

WEEK 20

  

 

 

Figure 1a

Figure 1b

 

 

EUS IMAGING OF GASTRIC CARCINOMA

 

The endoscopic image shows a type IIa + c gastric lesion, approximately two to three centimeter located over the incisura (Figure 1a&b). Biopsy showed adenocarcinoma that was reported to be well differentiated.

 

Gastric carcinoma can be classified based on their endoscopic appearances. The Japanese Research Society for Gastric Cancer classification classified gastric cancers into six types (Table 1). The superficial types can have combined features, elevated and ulcerated or depressed centre, as in the present case. Depressed or ulcerated lesions indicated likely submucosa involvement or beyond.

 

Table 1: Japanese Research Society for Gastric cancer classification

Types Description
Type 0 Superficial Type

Subtypes - Type 0 I

Protruding

Subtypes - Type 0 IIa

Superficial Elevated

Subtypes - Type 0 IIb

Superficial Flat

Subtypes - Type 0 IIc

Superficial Depressed

Subypes - Type 0 III

Exulcerated (excavated and ulceration)
Type 1

Polypoidal tumours sharply demarcated from the surrounding mucosa, usually attached on a wide base

Type 2

Ulcerated carcinomas with sharply demarcated and raised margins

Type 3 Ulcerated carcinomas without definite limits, infiltrating into the surrounding walls
Type 4

Diffusely infiltrating carcinomas in which the ulceration is usually not a marked feature

Type 5 Tumours that cannot be classified into any of the above

 

Endoscopic ultrasound shows that the tumour has affected the submucosa (hyper echoic third layer) with breech of some areas (arrows) to affect the muscularis propria layer indicating a T2 lesion. This make it unresected endoscopically with either endoscopic mucosa resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosa dissection (ESD) due to the risk of perforation. However, it certain specialized centre, this type of lesions is still considered resectable. Lesions located within the mucosa (T1m) or not breeched the submucosa layer (T1sm) can be safely resected endoscopically with either EMR or ESD. On endoscopic ultrasound, the gastric mucosa appears as five layers (Table 2) but can be more, seven if higher frequency imaging is used. EUS is the best modality for local T staging (Table 2).

 

Table 2: T staging of tumour

Types Description
T1m Localised to the mucosa
T1sm Localised to the submucosa
T2 Breeched of submucosa but not the serosa
T3 Breeched of serosa
T4 Extension into surrounding structure (i.e. pancreas, liver, vessels etc..).

 

Unfortunately, most gastric carcinomas present late and are diagnosed at advanced stages that cannot be treated with curative intent. For case that are still treatable (no evidence of ascitis or metastases), surgical resection with dissections of the peri-gastric lymph nodes (D2 dissection) provide the best chance. The similar situation is true for our local setting in Brunei Darussalam with most the gastric cancers encountered diagnosed either in the advanced stages with metastases or is locally advanced and are categorised as types 2 to 4.

 

 

Images prepared by Dr Chong Vui Heng, Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, RIPAS Hospital, Brunei Darussalam.

All images are copyrighted and property of RIPAS Hospital.

 

BACK TO CONTENTS