Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a surgical test used to check whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. It focuses on the “sentinel” lymph node, meaning the first node (or small group of nodes) that drains fluid from a tumor area. It is most commonly used in breast cancer and melanoma, and may be used in other solid tumors in selected cases. The goal is to stage cancer accurately while avoiding removal of many lymph nodes when it may not be necessary.

Mediastinoscopy is a surgical procedure used to look inside the mediastinum, the central area of the chest between the lungs. It is most often used to sample (biopsy) lymph nodes to diagnose or stage cancer. It is commonly part of lung cancer evaluation and can also help assess other mediastinal diseases.

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small camera to look inside the abdomen or pelvis. It is performed through small incisions rather than a large open cut. In oncology, it is commonly used to diagnose, stage, or treat certain cancers. It is also used to manage symptoms and support recovery when appropriate.

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that lets a clinician look inside the uterus using a thin camera called a hysteroscope. It is commonly used to evaluate abnormal bleeding and findings seen on ultrasound. In cancer care, it can help assess the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) and guide targeted tissue sampling. It may be done in an office setting or in an operating room, depending on the goals and complexity.

Cystoscopy is a procedure that lets a clinician look directly inside the bladder and urethra using a thin camera. It is commonly used in urology and oncology to evaluate urinary symptoms and to assess for bladder cancer. It can be done in a clinic or an operating room, depending on the situation. It may be used to diagnose conditions, guide biopsies, and monitor known disease.

EUS stands for endoscopic ultrasound. It combines an endoscope (a flexible camera) with ultrasound imaging to view organs from inside the digestive tract. EUS is commonly used to evaluate the pancreas, esophagus, stomach, bile ducts, and rectum. In cancer care, it is often used to help diagnose and stage tumors and to guide tissue sampling.

ERCP is a procedure that combines endoscopy and X-ray imaging. It is used to examine and treat problems in the bile ducts and pancreatic duct. ERCP is commonly performed in hospitals or endoscopy centers by gastroenterology teams. In oncology care, it is often used to evaluate or relieve blockage caused by tumors.

Upper endoscopy is a procedure that lets clinicians look inside the upper digestive tract. It uses a thin, flexible camera to examine the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. It is commonly used to evaluate symptoms and to detect or confirm cancer and other conditions. It can also be used to treat certain problems during the same visit.

Colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a clinician to look inside the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It uses a thin, flexible camera (a colonoscope) to view the lining of the bowel in real time. It is commonly used in cancer screening and in the evaluation of symptoms such as bleeding or unexplained anemia. It can also be used to take biopsies and remove certain growths during the same exam.

EBUS stands for endobronchial ultrasound. It is a bronchoscopy-based test that uses ultrasound from inside the airways to see nearby lymph nodes and tissues. It is commonly used in lung cancer care to help diagnose disease and determine stage. It is typically performed by clinicians in pulmonology or interventional pulmonology, sometimes alongside thoracic surgery teams.