How can esophageal cancer be diagnosed?

Written by Zhou Zi Hua
Oncology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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The diagnosis of esophageal cancer is primarily based on symptoms. In the early stages, symptoms are generally nonspecific or only mild and typically do not attract the patient's attention. In the mid to late stages, the most common symptom is progressive difficulty swallowing. Additional diagnostic methods include esophageal radiography, MRI, and CT scans. Moreover, cytological diagnosis, endoscopic ultrasound of the esophagus, direct endoscopic examination and pathological sampling under endoscopy are utilized. The gold standard for confirmation still requires pathological or cytological diagnosis.

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What are the precancerous lesions of esophageal cancer?

The most common precancerous lesion of esophageal cancer is Barret's esophagus, which is formed by the chronic stimulation of the esophageal epithelium by chronic reflux esophagitis. Of course, this includes some chronic esophageal ulcers and long-term leukoplakia of the esophagus. These recurrent esophageal ulcers could potentially transform into atypical hyperplasia and then further into carcinoma in situ. However, the progression from precancerous lesions to actual cancer can take a very long time, possibly many years or even over a decade. Therefore, having a precancerous lesion does not necessarily lead to esophageal cancer.

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Esophageal cancer symptoms

In fact, the early symptoms of esophageal cancer are not very obvious. Some people only experience a slight discomfort when swallowing, and others might feel mild pain behind the sternum. However, in the advanced stages, the symptoms become more noticeable, such as progressive difficulty swallowing. Additionally, if the tumor compresses the laryngeal nerve, it can cause hoarseness. If it compresses the trachea, symptoms like shortness of breath and dry cough can occur. If the tumor erodes into the aorta, it can lead to severe bleeding.

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Typical symptoms of esophageal cancer

The most typical symptom of esophageal cancer is progressive difficulty swallowing, and a progressive sensation of swallowing obstruction is the most typical symptom. It's actually quite simple; the esophagus is akin to a water pipe or a tubular cavity. Esophageal cancer is like having a tumor grow inside this cavity, similar to something blocking the pipe, which causes the flow of water to be impeded. However, not only water passes through this esophagus, but also food. Therefore, if there's something inside the cavity, both water and food cannot pass through, leading to this difficulty swallowing and discomfort while swallowing.

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home-news-image
Written by Zhou Zi Hua
Oncology
46sec home-news-image

How can esophageal cancer be diagnosed?

The diagnosis of esophageal cancer is primarily based on symptoms. In the early stages, symptoms are generally nonspecific or only mild and typically do not attract the patient's attention. In the mid to late stages, the most common symptom is progressive difficulty swallowing. Additional diagnostic methods include esophageal radiography, MRI, and CT scans. Moreover, cytological diagnosis, endoscopic ultrasound of the esophagus, direct endoscopic examination and pathological sampling under endoscopy are utilized. The gold standard for confirmation still requires pathological or cytological diagnosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
44sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer?

The symptoms of esophageal cancer generally include progressive difficulty in swallowing, because the esophagus itself is a tubular cavity, similar to a water pipe. Esophageal cancer typically forms a tumor within this tubular cavity, creating an obstruction. Consequently, the most common symptoms include difficulty swallowing and a sensation of blockage during eating, since food must pass through the esophagus. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, heartburn, and pain below the breastbone. Moreover, the difficulty in swallowing generally worsens progressively, as the tumor grows from small to large, increasingly narrowing the esophagus and exacerbating the swallowing difficulties.