The evaluation of esophageal cancer begins with a medical history and physical examination

The physical exam is usually normal in someone with esophageal cancer.

Testing is required to make the diagnosis of esophageal cancer.

Tests that may be used to evaluate esophageal cancer include:

• Complete blood count
• Liver profile
• Kidney profile
• Barium swallow
• Chest x-ray
• Esophagoscopy
• Tissue biopsy from the esophagus
• Upper GI endoscopy
• CT scanning of the chest
• MRI scanning of the chest
• Bone scan
• Mediastinoscopy
• Thoracoscopy

For more information:

• Esophageal reflux disease evaluation
• Esophageal spasm evaluation
• Esophageal stricture evaluation
• Esophageal varices evaluation
• Gastrointestinal bleeding evaluation