Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Esophageal cancer x ray
Introduction
Overview
Overview
X-ray are used concomitantly with contrast media in a procedure known as barium swallow. It is useful when visualizing strictures and masses in the esophagus. The most prominent findings in barium swallow with esophageal cancer include, shouldering and tapering strictures.
Barium swallow
Barium swallow
- A barium contrast esophagram or barium swallow is performed as the initial test (prior to upper endoscopy) in patients with esophageal cancer.[1][2][3]
- The patient swallows barium rapidly and the esophagus is imaged using x-rays.
- A confirmatory finding of esophageal cancer with barium swallow includes:
- Tapering stricture known as a “rat’s tail”
- Irregular stricture
- Pre-stricture dilatation
- Shouldering
References
References
- ↑ Spechler SJ (1999). “American gastroenterological association medical position statement on treatment of patients with dysphagia caused by benign disorders of the distal esophagus”. Gastroenterology. 117 (1): 229–33. PMID 10381932.
- ↑ Chen YM, Ott DJ, Gelfand DW, Munitz HA (1985). “Multiphasic examination of the esophagogastric region for strictures, rings, and hiatal hernia: evaluation of the individual techniques”. Gastrointest Radiol. 10 (4): 311–6. PMID 3932116.
- ↑ Somers S, Stevenson GW, Thompson G (1986). “Comparison of endoscopy and barium swallow with marshmallow in dysphagia”. Can Assoc Radiol J. 37 (2): 73–5. PMID 2941435.
Editor-In-Chief:
C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hadeel Maksoud M.D.[2]