Diagnosis And Staging Of Patients With Esophageal Cancer

For early stage esophageal cancer, computed tomography of the chest and abdomen is an optional test for staging. (Level B, Class I (benefit > > >risk))

For locoregionalized esophageal cancer, computed tomography of the chest and abdomen is a recommended test for staging. (Level B, Class I (benefit > > >risk))

For early stage esophageal cancer, positron emission tomography is an optional test for staging. (Level B, Class IIb (benefit > >risk))

For locoregionalized esophageal cancer, positron emission tomography is a recommended test for staging. (Level B, Class I (benefit > > >risk))

In the absence of metastatic disease, endoscopic ultrasonography is recommended to improve the accuracy of clinical staging. (Level B, Class IIa (benefit > > risk))

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. (Level B, Class IIa (benefit > > risk))

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. (Level C, Class IIb (benefit > >risk))