Endorectal Ultrasound Health Article

Abnormal results

Abnormal sonograms produce images which highlight abnormal features of the organ being scanned. In a tumor is present, it will show up as a distinct contrast feature on the sonogram.

See Also Imaging studies

Resources

BOOKS

Bankman, I. Handbook of Medical Imaging. Academic Press, 2000

Bushong, S. C. Diagnostic Ultrasound. New York: McGraw-Hill & Co., 1999.

Edelstein, Peter, M.D. Colon and Rectal Cancer. New York: Wiley-Liss, 2000.

PERIODICALS

Gavioli, M., A. Bagni, I. Piccagli, S. Fundaro, G. Natalini. "Usefulness of endorectal ultrasound after preoperative radiotherapy in rectal cancer: comparison between sono-graphic and histopathologic changes." Diseases of the Colon and Rectum 43 (August 2000):1075-83.

Hsieh, J.-S., C.-J. Huang, J.-Y. Wang, T.-J. Huang. "Benefits of Endorectal Ultrasound for Management of Smooth-Muscle Tumor of the Rectum." Diseases of the Colon and Rectum 42 (August 1999):322-8

Ott, D. J. "EUS and rectal cancer staging." American Journal of Gastroenterology 93 (April 1998):659-60.

Saclarides, T. J. "Endorectal ultrasound." Surgical Clinics of North America 78 (April 1998):237-49.

Sudhanshu, G. et al. "Staging of prostate cancer using 3-dimensional transrectal ultrasound images: a pilot study." Journal of Urology 162 (1999):1318-1321.

van den Berg, J. C., J. P. van Heesewijk, H. W. van Es. "Malignant stromal tumour of the rectum: findings at endorectal ultrasound and MRI." British Journal of Radiology 73 (September 2000):1010-12.

Monique Laberge, Ph.D.

Anal

—Pertaining to the anus, which is the terminal orifice of the digestive—or alimentary—canal.

Anatomy

—Structure of the body and of the relationship between its parts.

Biopsy

—Procedure that involves obtaining a tissue specimen for microscope analysis to establish a precise diagnosis.

Cancer screening

—Examination of people to detect early stages in the development of cancer even though they have no symptoms.

Colon

—Large intestine.

Digital rectal examination (DRE)

—Examination performed by a physician to detect rectal cancer. The physician inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum of the patient and feels for abnormal areas.

Endorectal probe

—Instrument which sends sound waves through the prostrate. Sound echoes are then recorded as an image.

Enema

—Injection of a liquid into the rectum.

Metastasis

—The transfer of cancer from one part of the body to another not directly connected with it.

Rectal

—Pertaining to the rectum, which is the last portion of the large intestine.

Sonogram —A computer picture of areas inside the body created by bouncing sound waves off organs and other tissues. Also called ultrasono-gram or ultrasound.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• How many endorectal ultrasounds will I have to undergo?
• Are any other imaging tests indicated?
• How will this test help you diagnose my cancer?