What type of localization technique may be used for lesions during endoscopy?

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is particularly effective for localization of lesions during endoscopy due to its ability to provide high-resolution images of the digestive tract and surrounding structures. EUS utilizes high-frequency sound waves to generate real-time images, allowing clinicians to visualize lesions in adjacent tissues, such as lymph nodes or other organs, with great detail. This technique is especially beneficial for assessing lesions in areas that are difficult to evaluate with standard endoscopy alone, such as the depth of invasion in cancers or the relationship of lesions to blood vessels.

While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, and X-ray imaging are valuable diagnostic tools in many contexts, they are not typically performed during an endoscopic procedure. MRI and CT scans provide excellent images of internal organs but are primarily used for diagnostic purposes outside of endoscopy, while X-ray imaging may not offer the level of detail necessary for localized lesion assessment in soft tissues. Therefore, EUS remains the preferred localizing technique during endoscopic procedures, enabling direct assessment and, in some cases, guided therapeutic interventions.