| Abstract: |
Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer Flexible endoscopy with biopsy is the primary method for the diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma (Class I recommendation: level of evidence B) 1. For early stage esophageal cancer, computed tomography of the chest and abdomen is an optional test for staging. (Class I recommendation: level of evidence B) 2. For locoregionalized esophageal cancer, computed tomography of the chest and abdomen is a recommended test for staging. (Class I recommendation: level of evidence B) 3. For early stage esophageal cancer, positron emission tomography is an optional test for staging. (Class IIB recommendation: level of evidence B) 4. For locoregionalized esophageal cancer, positron emission tomography is a recommended test for staging. (Class I recommendation: level of evidence B) 5. In the absence of metastatic disease, endoscopic ultrasonography is recommended to improve the accuracy of clinical staging. (Class IIA recommendation: level of evidence B) 6. Endoscopic mucosal resection should be considered as a diagnostic/staging tool for small, discrete nodules or areas of dysplasia when the disease appears limited to the mucosa or submucosa as assessed by endoscopic ultrasonography. (Class IIA recommendation: level of evidence B) 7. For locally advanced (T3/T4) adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction infiltrating the anatomic cardia, or Siewart type III esophagogastric tumors, laparoscopy is recommended to improve the accuracy of staging. (Class IIB recommendation: level of evidence C). © 2013 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. |
