How is esophagus cancer diagnosed?
If you have difficulty swallowing, it does NOT mean that you have cancer of the esophagus. In fact, most patients with this complaint have a hiatal hernia or non-cancerous stricture which blocks the passage of food. It is your doctor’s job to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. If you complain about difficulty swallowing, tests will be necessary to evaluate your condition. Testing will usually begin with a medical history and physical exam. The doctor will want to know how often and under what circumstances the problem occurs. • Most cases will require a “scope” test of the upper digestive system. Also known as a gastroscopy or EGD exam, this simple test is quickly and painlessly performed using a mild sedative. A thin flexible sterilized tube is passed through the mouth and down into the esophagus and stomach. A tiny color video camera within this instrument allows the doctor to directly examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine on a TV monitor. When neces
