The decision to sample a lesion during EUS is not based on appearance alone. In a pancreatic mass, tissue diagnosis may influence oncology treatment, while some pancreatic cysts can be managed without sampling when imaging and follow-up information are sufficient.
EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB use different sampling strategies. FNB often aims to obtain tissue architecture, whereas FNA can provide cellular material. The choice depends on lesion location, size, the clinical question and pathology requirements.
Before sampling, blood-thinning medication, coagulation status, infection risk and whether the result will genuinely change management are reviewed. A biopsy does not mean cancer has been diagnosed; it is a diagnostic step.
Pathology should be interpreted together with the EUS appearance, CT/MRI findings and the wider clinical picture.
EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB use different sampling strategies. FNB often aims to obtain tissue architecture, whereas FNA can provide cellular material. The choice depends on lesion location, size, the clinical question and pathology requirements.
Before sampling, blood-thinning medication, coagulation status, infection risk and whether the result will genuinely change management are reviewed. A biopsy does not mean cancer has been diagnosed; it is a diagnostic step.
Pathology should be interpreted together with the EUS appearance, CT/MRI findings and the wider clinical picture.
