Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis
The earlier stages of esophageal cancer are usually without symptoms
, so in many cases it is not diagnosed in earlier stages. It may be diagnosed when doing some tests for other medical problems or unrelated symptoms. Later physical examination and medical tests are conducted to confirm the possibility of the cancer if the patient is having any symptoms.
Esophageal cancer tends to spread to the lymph nodes first and so physical examination will include palpating (feeling with fingers) the lymph nodes and check for enlargement. A needle aspiration (removal of cells for evaluation) or biopsy is performed if any enlargement of lymph node is found. There are several other tests for confirming the possibility of cancer and these include
Blood Test: Includes liver function test which detects liver metastasis and complete blood count which detects anemia. These may occur due to high intake of alcohol.
Barium Studies: A barium swallow test determines the growth in the esophagus. But this test will not confirm the diagnosis since there is no option of doing biopsy. As this test causes little discomfort when compared to others, it is the first test done.
Imaging Tests: It diagnoses using a chest X-ray and double contrast barium swallow test (patient drinks dense liquid, barium which appears white on X-rays). In this test, air is blown into esophagus which helps the liquid coat the wall. Tumors will cause barium to coat unevenly which is detected in X-rays.
CT Scan: Cross sectional images are made by a CT scanner. Though it is not a good technique for initial stages of diagnosis, it determines the extent of spreading after diagnosis (staging)
Upper Endoscopy: It is the first choice to determine the nature of problem. Endoscope (instrument) helps to view the esophagus and examines the presence of cancer. A biopsy is taken if any symptom prevails.
PET scan: Positron Emission Tomography is a new technique for determining the extent of cancer. The fact of cancer cells using more glucose when compared to normal tissues is used. A radioactive glucose is injected into the veins and detection is done using computerized radio activity technique. The presence of cancer cells are identified by abnormal uptake of radioactive glucose. The extent of cancer can be accurately determined in this method.
Thoracoscopy: In this technique, a flexible tube fitted with a camera is inserted into the chest wall through a small opening made. The enlarged lymph nodes near the esophagus can be looked over from outside. Enlarged lymph nodes may be cancerous and this test is done for determining the extent of cancer prior to surgery. As a clear view is made, in many cases unnecessary surgery can be avoided.
Endoscopic Ultrasound: It is a test done for determination of size and penetration of cancer and this is better than CT scan. An instrument delivering ultrasound beam is inserted into the esophagus and based on the ultrasound pattern produced at the tumor site pictures are taken. With these pictures, the size and local extent of the tumor can be determined.
Natural Remedies:
There are certain natural remedies that offer a promising cure for esophageal cancer. Along with the natural remedies and a well-researched different diet pattern, a few simple adjustments to your lifestyle can make a huge difference to your efforts for prolonging the life for several years. You can increase your chances of surviving esophagus cancer now by trying these proven natural remedies discussed
here Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis
By: Ian Eallard
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