Diagnostic techniques in esophageal cancer

The diagnostic tests for the evaluation of the esophagus are; showing structural distortions, identification of functional abnormalities, and measurement of exposure of esophagus to gastric juice. plain radiographs have very low diagnostic value in the examination of the esophagus. in evaluation of the morphology and motor function of the esophagus, barium esophagography is the first choice in radiological examination. computed tomography is used to evaluate the relationship between esophageal cancer and mediastinal structures. magnetic resonance imaging hasn’t got a specific indication in esophagus diseases. recently, positron emission tomography’s effectiveness has been identified in esophagus cancer. the main application field of endoscopic ultrasonography in esophageal diseases is staging esophageal cancer. the most common indications for esophagoscopy are noncardiac chest pain, persistent gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, recurrent aspiration pneumonia, dysphagia, odynophagia and esophageal abnormal radiographs.