Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer The diagnosis and prognosis of
esophageal cancer includes the following: Review of Medical
History Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical
history. Significant elements in your medical history include
your country of origin, race, symptoms of chronic reflux
esophagitis (“ ” or gastroesophageal reflux disease), and
exposure to substances that irritate and damage the throat. Your
doctor may also ask about rare congenital conditions. No part of
your physical exam points directly to this disease, but your
doctor will do a thorough exam to evaluate your overall health
and look for associated conditions, like malnutrition, , and
head, neck, and Your doctor may do the following tests: —This
series of x-rays will be taken while you are swallowing contrast
medium (barium). The barium makes it easier for the doctor to
see abnormalities on the x-ray. —This test involves the
insertion of a fiberoptic tube with a lighted tip (an endoscope)
through the mouth and down through the