1985 Volume 27 Issue 10 Pages 1997-2002_1
The usefulness of x-ray and endoscopic examination was comparatively evaluated concerning discovery of early and superficial esophageal cancers. Eight of 12 lesions (66.7%) were pointed out by the initial x-ray examination ana lu (82.1%) at the final x-ray examination. It was difficult to identify the superficial flat and plateau-like types and lesions with ep and mm in depth of invasion were difficult to be detected by x-ray examination. On the other hand, 11 of 12 lesions (91.7%) were detected at the first endoscopy. Endoscopic study was effective in identifying minute esophageal cancers. One lesion overlooked because of a co-existing lesion of the esophagus could be found by Lugol's dye spraying method. This diagnostic procedure is useful for early detection of esophageal cancer as a subsidiary method. When a minute abnormality is detected, Lugol's dye spraying method and biopsy should be perf omed for confirming the diagnosis.
