The Surgical Edge
Step into the world where precision meets innovation. The Surgical Edge is your go-to medical podcast for in-depth reviews and insightful discussions on a wide range of medical conditions, diseases, and the latest advancements in surgical techniques and healthcare technology.
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Disclaimer: Only for educational purpose.
Please follow the latest medical or surgical guidelines, local hospital and trust policies for real life practice. These contents are not clinical advice in any way or form and are completely for educational purposes.
The Surgical Edge
Oesophageal Cancer: Presentation, Staging, and Management
The essential diagnostic tools and staging methods for oesophageal cancer involve a multi-step process utilizing both clinical assessment and advanced imaging, summarized below based on the sources:
Essential Diagnostic Tools (Investigations)
The first steps for suspected oesophageal cancer involve an initial assessment followed by a detailed diagnostic work-up.
Initial Assessment
Initial steps include obtaining a detailed clinical history, performing a physical examination (which includes assessing lymph nodes and nutritional status), and conducting baseline blood tests (Full Blood Count, Liver Function Tests, and Urea and Electrolytes).
Diagnostic Work-up
The definitive diagnosis relies on specialized procedures:
1. Upper GI Endoscopy (OGD/EGD) and Biopsy: This procedure is considered the gold-standard diagnostic tool. It allows doctors to directly visualize the tumor. To maximize diagnostic accuracy, at least six biopsies should be taken from suspicious areas.
2. Histopathological Confirmation: The diagnosis is officially confirmed via tissue biopsy. Histology is crucial as it provides information about the tumor type (such as adenocarcinoma versus squamous cell carcinoma), differentiation, and may inform genetic or molecular profiling.
Essential Staging Methods and Imaging Tools
Comprehensive staging is required before therapeutic decisions are made, and it relies on several advanced imaging techniques that provide crucial information about the extent of the disease.
Staging System
The international standard used for staging oesophageal cancer is the TNM system. This system incorporates three key components to guide management and prognostication. Let's dive in for more.
Disclaimer - only for reference purposes, please follow your local and standard guidelines in practice.
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