Esophageal cancer screening methods

Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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The best and clearest method for screening esophageal cancer is still gastroscopy, which can also be referred to as esophagoscopy. Endoscopic examination is very significant for this type of luminal tumor. Of course, if some people truly cannot tolerate a gastroscopic exam, they might consider initially undergoing a barium meal for the esophagus or iodized oil radiography for diagnosis. Additionally, a chest CT scan can be performed to determine whether there is narrowing in the esophageal lumen or if there is metastasis in the surrounding lymph nodes, among other issues. However, the best and most important method is certainly the esophagoscopy, or taking a biopsy of the pathological tissue under gastroscopy, which is very important for the definitive diagnosis of esophageal cancer.

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Will esophageal cancer recur after resection?

After the removal of esophageal cancer, there is indeed a possibility of recurrence. This is because not only are there tumors on the esophagus, but some mediastinal lymph nodes around the esophagus may also have metastasized. It must be acknowledged that thoracic surgeons will definitely remove the tumor completely during surgery, but they can only remove the tumors that are visible to the naked eye. Many tumor cells that cannot be seen by the naked eye are impossible to remove. If the cancer is at a relatively advanced stage, many of these invisible tumor cells cannot be eliminated, just like air is invisible but still exists. Therefore, invisible does not mean there are no cancer cells. Thus, if there is no follow-up auxiliary treatment to kill the cancer cells, the cancer may very likely recur.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Distinction between esophagitis and esophageal cancer

Esophagitis and esophageal cancer are different diseases. Esophagitis refers to inflammatory changes in the esophagus, characterized by mucosal congestion, edema, and even erosion, commonly seen in middle-aged patients. Patients most often seek medical attention for abdominal discomfort or chest pain, and some may also experience nausea, belching, and so on. Esophageal cancer is more common in older patients, primarily presenting with progressively worsening dysphagia, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and so on. Some cancer symptoms may be similar to those of esophagitis. The main method for differential diagnosis includes a thorough gastroscopic examination to provide further clarification. Esophagitis mainly manifests as inflammatory changes in the esophageal mucosa; in the case of esophageal cancer, a gastroscopic examination can directly reveal esophageal tumors, thereby facilitating differentiation.

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Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
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The difference between esophagitis and esophageal cancer

The differences between esophagitis and esophageal cancer are significant. Esophagitis is an inflammation and is benign, but esophageal cancer is malignant, marking a stark contrast between the two. However, both esophagitis and esophageal cancer can have similar clinical symptoms, such as acid reflux, hiccups, heartburn, pain behind the breastbone, discomfort, and a burning sensation behind the breastbone, so symptoms can be similar. However, a more typical symptom of esophageal cancer is a sensation of swallowing obstruction, since there is actually something in the esophagus. Inflammation, after all, is just that, and it does not involve a mass forming inside the esophagus that could block it, hindering the ability to drink water, eat food, or swallow.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
55sec home-news-image

Esophageal cancer screening methods

The best and clearest method for screening esophageal cancer is still gastroscopy, which can also be referred to as esophagoscopy. Endoscopic examination is very significant for this type of luminal tumor. Of course, if some people truly cannot tolerate a gastroscopic exam, they might consider initially undergoing a barium meal for the esophagus or iodized oil radiography for diagnosis. Additionally, a chest CT scan can be performed to determine whether there is narrowing in the esophageal lumen or if there is metastasis in the surrounding lymph nodes, among other issues. However, the best and most important method is certainly the esophagoscopy, or taking a biopsy of the pathological tissue under gastroscopy, which is very important for the definitive diagnosis of esophageal cancer.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
54sec home-news-image

What are the early symptoms of esophageal cancer?

The esophagus is a tubular passage for food, extending from the patient's pharynx to the stomach, thus named the esophagus. Its function is to allow food to travel from the mouth through the esophagus to the stomach. If a tumor develops in the esophagus, early symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, a choking sensation, and inability to swallow food, which sometimes may lead to vomiting. These are early symptoms of esophageal cancer. If the condition progresses to a late stage, it can lead to a situation where not even liquids can pass, making swallowing impossible, resulting in extreme weight loss. In severe cases, the cancer may metastasize, including to lymph nodes and other organs, and may also compress surrounding organs, causing symptoms like chest tightness.