Endoscopy for Esophageal Cancer: Diagnosis & Procedure

Esophageal cancer often initially manifests as difficulty or pain upon swallowing. Because these tumors are hidden from the naked eye, examination of the esophagus requires an endoscopy, a procedure in which a small, flexible camera is inserted down the throat and into the esophagus; this way, a physician can get a better look at the tissue and help identify the cause of the symptoms.

When Endoscopies Are Used

• An upper endoscopy is generally used for any suspected case of esophageal cancer.

Uses of Endoscopy

• An upper endoscopy is used to help visualize any masses in the esophagus.

Endoscopy and Biopsy

• If there are any suspicious masses, the endoscopy can also be used to direct a biopsy to examine the tissue.

Endoscopy and Large Masses

• In some cases, a large mass will prevent the normal endoscope from being inserted. In those cases, a very thin endoscope (only a few millimeters in diameter) will be used to visualize the rest of the esophagus.

Chromoendoscopy

• In some cases, an endoscope is used along with various dyes to help visualize changes in esophageal tissue that cannot be seen with a normal endoscopy.