ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Esophageal carcinoma is the 8thmost common type of cancer worldwide and is considered a leading cause of cancer mortality. Cancer of the esophagus is one of the most lethal of all cancers. The esophagus is clearly visible on CT images. Over the last decade, computerized tomography (CT) tools have qualified the carcinoma early finding, thereby lowering mortality rates. The advent of multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) scanners has been a boon to clinical imaging practice. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of computed tomography imaging in esophagus carcinoma staging and detection.

Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 82 esophagus carcinoma patients in the department of Radiology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore from July 2020 to June 2021. Individuals who presented with esophagus carcinoma signs and symptoms were enrolled in this study. Esophagus carcinoma was confirmed based on histopathological examination (HPE) reports and postoperative biopsy confirmed the CT findings. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20.

Results: Of the total 82 esophagus carcinoma patients, 44 (54%) were male and 38 (46%) were female. The overall mean age was 45.53±7.3 years with an age range from 18 years to 80 years. The incidence of esophagus carcinoma was more prevalent in the age group of 40 to 60 years. Male patients are more prone to esophagus carcinoma compared to females. The carcinoma in most cases affected the esophagus lower third and middle compared to the upper third. The prevalence of stage patients was as follows; T1 and T2 had 22 (26.8%) stage patients, T3 had 46 (56.1%) stage patients, and T4 had 14 (17.1%). About 52 (64%) patients had asymmetrical wall thickness while 30 (36%) had symmetrical wall thickness.   

Conclusion: Preoperative esophageal carcinoma staging is significantly aided by computed tomography. Imaging modality CT scans have improved esophageal carcinoma treatment and operative resection rate. As a result, CT is a non-invasive and quick imaging tool for detecting lymphadenopathies, distant metastases, and tumors.