How is esophageal cancer diagnosed and staged?
The initial diagnostic test of choice for a patient having trouble swallowing is a video endoscopy. If a benign stricture from uncontrolled reflux is noted, it can be treated by stretching the esophagus. If a tumor is found, it can be biopsied to confirm the diagnosis.
Staging:
Tumors of the esophagus are staged by performing an endoscopic ultrasound which can determine how the tumor is best treated. It can then be determine if the tumor can be treated with surgical or endoscopic resection alone or in combination with chemotherapy and radiation.
