digestive disorders
Esophageal Cancer
Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer
Endoscopy and biopsy Barium swallow Computed tomography (CT) PET-CT and ultrasonography Endoscopy , in which a flexible viewing tube (endoscope) is passed through the mouth to view the esophagus, is the best diagnostic procedure if esophageal cancer is suspected. Endoscopy also allows the doctor to remove a tissue sample (biopsy) and loose cells (brush cytology) for examination under a microscope. An x-ray procedure called a barium swallow (in which the person swallows a solution of barium, which shows up on x-rays) can also show the obstruction. Once esophageal cancer is identified, doctors do Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Digestive Tract (CT) of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis as well as positron emission tomography ( Basic blood tests are done. 