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You Are Here » Miscellaneous » Esophageal Cancer » Staging Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal Cancer
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Staging Esophageal Cancer
If the diagnosis is esophageal cancer, the doctor needs to learn the stage (or extent) of disease. * Staging is a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment. Listed below are descriptions of the four stages of esophageal cancer.
- Stage I
The cancer is found only in the top layers of cells lining the esophagus.
- Stage II
The cancer involves deeper layers of the lining of the esophagus, or it has spread to nearby lymph nodes. The cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.
- Stage III
The cancer has invaded more deeply into the wall of the esophagus or has spread to tissues or lymph nodes near the esophagus. It has not spread to other parts of the body.
- Stage IV
The cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Esophageal cancer can spread almost anywhere in the body, including the liver, lungs, brain, and bones.
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.
Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order
* Bronchoscope
Pronounced - BRON-ko-skope
A thin, lighted tube used to examine the inside of the trachea and bronchi, the air passages that lead to the lungs.
* CAT (or CT) Scan
Computed tomography scan. A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles. The pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computerized tomography and computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan.
* Staging
Pronounced - STAY-jing
Performing exams and tests to learn the extent of the cancer within the body, especially whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. It is important to know the stage of the disease in order to plan the best treatment.
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References:
www.cancer.gov
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