Endoscopic features of submucosal deeply invasive colorectal cancer with NBI characteristics : S Saito et al. Endoscopic images of early colorectal cancer.

In this review, we discuss the features of conventional endoscopy, magnified endoscopy involving image enhanced endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) using illustrations for submucosal deeply invasive colorectal cancer (SM-Ca). First, the typical features of SM-Ca were observed, including fold convergence, stiffness, depression (ulceration) and elevated lesions in depressed areas. Magnified endoscopic findings using NBI showed dilated, irregularly shaped micro-capillary vessels. In addition, VI and VN pits were clearly visible using crystal violet staining. In contrast, using EUS, at the third layer we found a layer that was thin compared to the surrounding normal mucosa, which suggested the existence of SM-Ca.