Diagnosis of esophageal cancer by esophageal net examination of exfoliated cells

Esophageal cancer is a common digestive system tumor. There are four common diagnostic methods:

1. Dilute barium X-ray double contrast

For suspected cases of esophageal cancer, dilute barium X-ray double contrast imaging can be performed, which can show rough or interrupted esophageal mucosal folds; small filling defects; localized tube wall stiffness, interrupted peristalsis; small niche shadows, etc.

2. Esophageal sieve to check for exfoliated cells

my country has pioneered the use of an esophageal cell collector with a net and balloon to pull the net through the esophagus to examine exfoliated cells. The positive rate for early lesions can reach 90% to 95%, which is a simple and easy method for screening and diagnosis.

3. Fiberoptic esophagoscopy

Fiberoptic esophagoscopy can clamp multiple pieces of living tissue for histopathological examination under direct vision. It can also be used for staining examination. 2% toluidine blue or 3% Lugol iodine solution is sprayed on the esophageal mucosa. The former stains the tumor tissue blue but not the normal tissue, while the latter stains the normal tissue brown-black, while the tumor tissue appears yellow, the color of iodine itself.

4. Endoscopic Ultrasound

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is often used to determine the infiltration level of esophageal cancer, the depth of outward extension, and the presence or absence of metastasis to the mediastinum, lymph nodes, and abdominal organs, which is helpful in estimating the possibility of surgical treatment.