Chromo-endoscopy

In essence chromo-endoscopy is meant to help the endoscopist to detect areas of neoplasia but not to predict histology. It is thus mainly used to enhance the diagnostic yield of histology and cytology by improving the accuracy of obtained tissue specimens and brush smears. 

Fig. 3.17a-c. Small polypoid lesion in the distal third of the oesophagus (a). Following chromo-endoscopy with methylene blue, numerous tiny satellite lesions were revealed (b). Endoscopic ultrasound showed thickened mucosal layers with slight irregularity of the superficial one-third of the submucosa (c). Histology revealed a carcinoma extending into the submucosa... 

Fig. 3.38. Chromo-endoscopy of a malignant ulcer at the gastric body. Note the thick folds ending at a short distance from the ulcer edge with irregular mucosa in between. Some minimal bleeding is present...

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