Endoscopy Use for Esophageal Cancer

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.