Carcinoma of the esophagus

Irregular mucosal destruction is seen:

Usually squamous cell.
Barrett's esophagus predisposes to adenoCA (10% incidence).
Associated with EtOH, smoking, and lye strictures.
Begins as flat, plaque-like lesion occ. with central ulceration.
Progresses to narrowing, mucosal destruction, ulceration.
"Skip" lesions can occur.
CT scan useful for staging.
Rx includes radical resection, radiation therapy (curative in 10%), balloon dilation, and laser therapy. All usually palliative with short term results.
12% of stomach adenoCA arising near cardia invade lower esophagus.
DDX: metastatic diseases, primary lymphoma, occ. benign lesions.
BX recommended for radiographically equivocal lesions.

You may wish to compare this study with a normal one.

Ref:Eisenberg, Ronald L., Gastrointestinal Radiology, 2nd ed., Lippincott, Philadelphia, PA., 1990.