Further tests for oesophageal cancer

You will probably have a chest x-ray if one has not already been done. Other tests may include:

CT (computerised tomography) scan Back to top

A CT scan takes a series of x-rays which build up a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. The scan is painless but takes from 10-30 minutes. CT scans use a small amount of radiation, which is very unlikely to harm you and will not harm anyone you come into contact with. You will be asked not to eat or drink for at least four hours before the scan.

You may be given a drink or injection of a dye which allows particular areas to be seen more clearly. For a few minutes, this may make you feel hot all over. If you are allergic to iodine or have asthma you could have a more serious reaction to the injection, so it’s important to let your doctor know beforehand. You’ll probably be able to go home as soon as the scan is over.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) Back to top

This involves the same procedure as the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy|. A tiny ultrasound probe is connected to the end of the endoscope tube and passed along the oesophagus. Ultrasound uses sound waves to build up a picture of the area. It allows the doctors to get a deeper view of the wall of the oesophagus and surrounding areas. This may give them a better idea of the size and depth of the tumour. They may also be able to see whether nearby lymph nodes are enlarged.

A sample of tissue (biopsy) can be taken to be examined under the microscope. This can tell if the enlargement is due to cancer or inflammation caused by infection.

Laparoscopy Back to top

This test involves a small operation done under a general anaesthetic, and will mean a short stay in hospital. It allows the doctor to look at the upper part of the abdomen (tummy) to see whether the cancer has spread.

The doctor makes a small cut (about 2cm) in the skin and muscle near the tummy button (navel) and carefully inserts a thin, flexible fibre-optic tube (laparoscope) into your abdomen. The doctor then examines the area and may take biopsies. Whether or not a laparoscopy is needed depends on the position of the tumour within the oesophagus.

Positron Emission Tomography scan (PET Scan) Back to top

PET scans are a newer type of scan and you may have to travel to a specialist centre for one. They are not always necessary but you can discuss with your doctor whether one would be useful in your case. They can be used to find out whether a cancer has spread beyond the oesophagus or to examine any lumps that remain after treatment to see if they are scar tissue or whether cancer cells are still present.

A PET scan uses low-dose radioactive glucose (a type of sugar) to measure the activity of cells in different parts of the body. A very small amount of a mildly radioactive substance is injected into a vein, usually in your arm. A scan is then taken a couple of hours later. Areas of cancer are usually more active than surrounding tissue and show up on the scan.

Waiting for your test results Back to top

It will probably take from one to two weeks for the results of your tests to be ready, and a follow-up appointment should be arranged for you before you go home. This waiting period can be an anxious time for you. It may help to talk things over with your specialist nurse (if you have one), a close friend or relative, our cancer support specialists| or a knowledgeable support organisation such as the Oesophageal Patients Association|.