[Diagnostic errors in esophageal cancer]

Cases of esophageal cancer are often admitted to oncological establishments at relatively late stages of tumor process: in 85%, the record of symptoms exceeds three months. The average duration of case histories before admission is 7.4 months. Diagnostic errors were established in the patients who had consulted the doctor during a period of less than 3 months after symptom development. This was due to the frequent appearance (41%) at initial stages of symptoms other than dysphagia which was misleading. However, even if dysphagia was apparent, primary X-ray examination failed to detect esophageal tumors in 20.1% of cases. Therefore, an endoscopic examination must be performed in cases of dysphagia. Whenever dysphagia is a consequence of esophageal burns, patients should undergo examinations at specialized oncological establishments for some years.