Role of computerized tomography imaging in staging oesophageal carcinoma.

One hundred eight patients with oesophageal malignancy proven on oesophagography and oesophagoscopy underwent computed tomography (CT). In 48 patients the CT findings were correlated with findings at surgery. Results indicated that CT findings correlated closely with surgical findings in local extension, regional adenopathy, size of tumour mass, and distant metastasis. Blurring and distortion of the tissue interfaces is a reliable indicator of disease only if the patient has not received any prior radiotherapy. CT is a fairly accurate method for assessing the spread of oesophageal carcinoma. Its use can prevent unnecessary surgery in patients with inoperable tumours.