Diagnostic Tests for Esophagus Cancer
Esophagus Cancer: Diagnostic Tests
The list of diagnostic tests
mentioned in various sources as
used in the diagnosis of Esophagus Cancer
includes:
Esophagus Cancer Tests: Book Excerpts
Home Diagnostic Testing
These home medical tests may be relevant to Esophagus Cancer:
- Colon & Rectal Cancer: Home Testing
- Food Allergies & Intolerances: Home Testing:
- Cancer-Related Home Testing:
- Digestive-Related Home Testing:
Esophagus Cancer Diagnosis: Book Excerpts
Tests and diagnosis discussion for Esophagus Cancer:
What You Need To Know About Cancer of the Esophagus: NCI (Excerpt)
To help find the cause of symptoms, the doctor evaluates a
person's medical history and performs a physical exam. The
doctor usually orders a chest x-ray
and other diagnostic tests. These tests may include the
following:
-
A barium swallow (also called an esophagram )
is a series of x-rays of the esophagus. The patient drinks a
liquid containing barium, which coats the inside of the
esophagus. The barium makes any changes in the shape of the
esophagus show up on the x-rays.
-
Esophagoscopy (also called endoscopy )
is an examination of the inside of the esophagus using a
thin lighted tube called an endoscope .
An anesthetic (substance that causes loss of feeling or
awareness) is usually used during this procedure. If an
abnormal area is found, the doctor can collect cells and
tissue through the endoscope for examination under a
microscope. This is called a biopsy .
A biopsy can show cancer, tissue changes that may lead to
cancer, or other conditions.
(Source: excerpt from
What You Need To Know About Cancer of the Esophagus: NCI)
What You Need To Know About Cancer of the Esophagus: NCI (Excerpt)
Some tests used to determine whether the cancer has spread
include:
-
CAT
(or CT) scan (computed tomography). A computer
linked to an x-ray machine creates a series of detailed
pictures of areas inside the body.
-
Bone scan. This technique, which creates images of
bones on a computer screen or on film, can show whether
cancer has spread to the bones. A small amount of
radioactive substance is injected into a vein; it travels
through the bloodstream, and collects in the bones,
especially in areas of abnormal bone growth. An instrument
called a scanner measures the radioactivity levels in these
areas.
-
Bronchoscopy. The doctor puts a bronchoscope
(a thin, lighted tube) into the mouth or nose and down
through the windpipe to look into the breathing passages.
(Source: excerpt from
What You Need To Know About Cancer of the Esophagus: NCI)
Diagnosis of Esophagus Cancer: medical news summaries:
The following medical news items
are relevant to diagnosis of Esophagus Cancer:
Diagnostic Tests for Esophagus Cancer: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the diagnostic tests for Esophagus Cancer.
REGURGITATION, ESOPHAGEAL:
DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP
(Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)
Most disorders will be diagnosed by an upper GI series with an esophagogram and esophagoscopy with a biopsy. A Bernstein test, esophageal pH monitoring, and esophageal manometry may be useful in diagnosing reflux esophagitis. A CBC, serum iron, ferritin, and iron-binding capacity will help diagnose Plummer-Vinson syndrome. An ANA titer and skin biopsy will help diagnose scleroderma. A CT scan of the mediastinum will help diagnose most mediastinal masses, and angiography will be useful in diagnosing an aortic aneurysm.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, 2003
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