[Conventional roentgen diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma--a determination of current status]

Conventional radiological methods in the diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma include esophagography as well as chest radiography, the latter revealing pathological findings in advanced cases. Esophagography may be used for early diagnosis, tumor staging and for follow-up examinations after irradiation and/or surgery. In particular early tumor diagnosis requires a double contrast technique with an optimal mucosal coating and distension of the esophagus. The esophagogram reveals indirect signs related to the staging from the localization and length of the tumor and from ulcerations and fistulas. In the diagnosis of recurrent tumor after surgery, esophagography is not the primary diagnostic tool. After irradiation therapy, however, it can detect intramurally growing remaining or recurrent tumor.