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Esophageal Cancer
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Diagnosing Esophageal Cancer
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:
- * 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.
Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order
* Barium
Pronounced - BAIR-ee-um
A chalky liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray.
* Biopsy
Pronounced - BY-op-see
The removal of cells or tissues for examination under a microscope. When only a sample of tissue is removed, the procedure is called an incisional biopsy or core biopsy. When an entire lump or suspicious area is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle, the procedure is called a needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration.
* Endoscope
Pronounced - EN-doh-skohp
A small, flexible tube with a light and a lens on the end. It is used to look into the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, or rectum. It can also be used to take tissue from the body for testing or to take color photographs of the inside of the body. Colonoscopes and sigmoidoscopes are types of endoscopes.
* X-Ray
A type of high energy radiation. In low doses, x-rays are used to diagnose diseases by making pictures of the inside of the body. In high doses, x-rays are used to treat cancer.
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References:
www.cancer.gov
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