Esophageal cancer

Cancer - esophagus

• Backwards movement of food through the esophagus and possibly mouth (regurgitation)
• Chest pain unrelated to eating
• Difficulty swallowing solids or liquids
• Heartburn
• Vomiting blood
• Weight loss

Tests used to help diagnose esophageal cancer may include:

• Barium swallow
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and biopsy
• Chest MRI or thoracic CT (usually used for helping to determine the stage of the disease)
• PET scan (sometimes useful for determining the stage of disease, and whether surgery is possible)

Stool sample testing may show signs of hidden (occult) blood in the stool.