Gallium imaging in cancer of the esophagus

Ga-67-citrate scintigraphy was used in 17 patients with carcinoma of the esophagus as part of the preoperative evaluation. Intense concentration in the primary site was associated with an extensive tumor. In all patients but one in whom resection was attempted, the tumors were found to be unresectable. Gallium scintigraphy diaphragm and in the left supraclavicular fossa. Of special interest were three patients in whom esophagoscopy and contrast radiography suggested a benign stricture. All had intense concentration of gallium at the esophagogastric junction, an indication that proved to be carcinoma.